Defense Minister Pirro Vengu inspected the construction works of the Armed Forces Academy Campus (AFA – Campus), one of the most important projects planned by the Ministry of Defense, which is based on the model of the prestigious American Academy, West Point.
Minister Vengu and the Commander of the AFA Brigadier General Bardhyl Nuredinaj, got acquainted with the progress of the project, another investment that serves the modernization of the AAF.
According to the contract by March 2025 the completion of the first phase of the project, which includes the new building of the Faculty of Defense and Security and the Student Canteen will be provided. So far, 50% of the work has been completed. Minister Vengu said that: “… then we will continue with the funding of the second phase, to accommodate the growing capacity, so that next season the campus will be in working condition. The intention is for this to be a self-contained academy, modeled after West Point.”
Defense Minister, highlighted the establishment of a leading academy in education, which will serve not only the Albanian Armed Forces, but also other institutions: “The range of programs offered by the Academy of the Armed Forces will be expanded. AFA in the last years, also in accordance to the goal plan of the Albanian Armed Forces, has strengthened the programs related to technology, to the future of the AAF, so that we not only strengthen our capacity, but also provide a sustainable way to professionally shape the future of our forces“, – said Minister Vengu.
AFA Commander, Brigadier General Bardhyl Nuredinaj, underlined the fact that this academy will also serve students from Kosovo, North Macedonia, but also other countries in the region, while the aim is to exchange students with well-known academies, that Albania has collaborations such as in Italy, Greece or Turkey.
According to Brigadier General Bardhyl Nuredinaj, this year, two new Master’s Programs are planned to open: “Artificial Intelligence” and “International Relations”.
The new Campus of the Armed Forces Academy is being built on an area of 9.1 hectares. In addition to the Academy buildings, the project also includes the construction of student residence, sports fields, a cinema, a wellness center, a gym, a shooting range, etc.
In cooperation with the United States, the Simulation Center will also be located in these premises, which will provide training of forces in a suitable environment and at a lower cost than training in the field.