TIRANA, July 3 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama on Friday inaugurated the National Flight School, describing it as an ambitious project aimed at modernising the Armed Forces.
At the opening ceremony, Rama said the initiative had initially been met with scepticism and ridicule, but added that it had now become a reality with the school officially opening its doors.
The government head thanked Israel-based defence company Elbit Systems, describing it as a global leader in military technology, for its involvement in the project.
“They believed in this project and joined us, providing their outstanding expertise, which makes Elbit Systems one of the most advanced capabilities in today’s defence technology sector,” Rama said.
The Prime Minister said that only a decade ago the Albanian Armed Forces had been left in a difficult state, while personnel faced significant challenges. He referred to past corruption allegations linked to participation in peacekeeping missions abroad as “painful anecdotes.”
Rama said the armed forces are now among the best paid in the region, adding that the government’s goal is to bring salaries closer to the NATO average under the “Albania 2030” vision and the EU accession process.
He also highlighted growing interest among young people in joining the armed forces, saying recruitment had shifted from scarcity to competition.
The National Flight School, he said, will train and certify not only Albanian pilots but also young pilots from NATO countries in the region, including Kosovo.
Rama said Defence Minister had been tasked with exploring interest from Kosovo and other neighbouring NATO member states in sending pilots for training and certification in Albania.
He added that the school benefits from international expertise provided by Elbit Systems, as well as experience from Albanian Air Force personnel.
Rama also said the country now has a fully operational air fleet and is better prepared to respond to seasonal challenges such as wildfires.
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