Speaking at the inauguration of the National Flight School, Rama said Albania now has a fully mission-ready helicopter fleet after overcoming years of maintenance problems and operational constraints.

“We are now fully prepared to face the annual challenge of the hot season, when the battle against wildfires is unavoidable,” he said.

Rama added that the government had approved the acquisition of additional U.S.-made Black Hawk helicopters, which will strengthen both military and civil emergency response capabilities.

He said the expansion would make Albania one of the region’s best-equipped countries in terms of helicopter capacity for defence and emergency operations.

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The Strategic Defense Review (SDR) process, currently underway, aims to enhance airworthiness, upgrade technology, and achieve objectives set at the recent NATO Summit in The Hague.

Defense Minister identified three core priorities: modernization of the air fleet, equipment and technology upgrades, and enhancement of air defense systems – from meteorology tools to integrated air defense capabilities.

Infrastructure development is also underway at several key air bases, including Gjadër, Rinas, Farkë, Kuçovë, and Vlorë, to improve both military readiness and civil protection capabilities.

Human capital development is a key component of the modernization plan. Vengu announced the reopening of the Aviation School in Vlorë to train a new generation of pilots, onboard technicians, air traffic controllers, and unmanned systems specialists.

“All of this is supported by new infrastructure, improved financial incentives, and career promotion pathways in the military for young Albanians,” the minister stated in a social media post.

He added that coordination continues across operational commands and with international partners to build a modern, efficient, and mission-ready Air Force capable of meeting future security challenges.

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