Minister Vengu was closely acquainted with the infrastructure and functional capacities of the complex, which represents a new modernization pole for the operational preparation of troops and increased interaction with international partners.

The training complex in Biza/Pajet has an accommodation capacity of up to 1200 people and offers full accommodation, food, modern facilities and other essential services, guaranteeing logistical and operational support for the development of extended and complex exercises.

Vengu emphasized that this investment is a key element for increasing the readiness of the Armed Forces and for strengthening cooperation with allies and strategic partners, positioning Albania as an active and reliable factor in the regional and international security architecture.

This training complex will be functional for the main exercise of the Armed Forces that is expected to take place in September for the certification of the Light Infantry Battalion Group according to NATO standards, as well as for bilateral and multinational exercises such as “Defender Europe 2027”. /gj.m/a.f/r.e/p.s./

According to Defense Minister Pirro Vengu, “This new investment transforms Biza into a dedicated area for the Armed Forces and a concrete step that confirms that the Ministry of Defense’s priority is to make investments in improving readiness, capabilities and standards of the Army”.

Through a post in the social media, the minister shared a video of the new training complex.

Mydeir Tafa, commander of the Light Infantry Battalion in the Land Force, said that currently in Biza-Pajeti “There are being created the necessary conditions for the accommodation, food and entertainment of Land Force personnel during the complex training that they will conduct in Biza training region”.

According to Tafa, “This is the first time such an investment has been made in the Armed Forces of Albania.”

Tafa added that, “There will be barracks and dining facilities to house and feed large numbers of personnel. The canteen-kitchen block has a capacity of 600 people at a time. There is also envisaged health support unit necessary during the exercises.”

Tafa underlined that, “It is currently estimated that this will meet the entire accommodation of the Light Infantry Battalion Group, which reaches up to 1,200 people.” /m.q/a.f/r.e/p.s./

In the presence of the participating generals, commanders, soldiers, NCOs and officers, Minister Peleshi stated that this exercise is of great significance for our country because it also serves as a real test of national plans in support of NATO’s regional plans.

“This exercise tested our response capacities in case of activation of Article 5 of NATO, that of collective defense, force readiness, deployment capabilities, command and control, securing naval and air landing points, securing critical infrastructure as well as the development of protective and training operations of the troops declared to be deployed abroad”, said Minister Peleshi.

Referring to today’s security environment, Minister Peleshi highlighted the fact that in fulfillment of national commitments and those declared in the NATO, our country has undertaken a series of important processes for the development of the Armed Forces, so that it is as modern and professional as possible and able to fulfill the constitutional mission and fully interoperable with the countries of the Alliance.

“We are determined to consolidate the operational and tactical dimension, putting emphasis on the continuous transformation of the military forces and capabilities. The upgrade of the Armed Force with modern equipment, anti-air and anti-tank defense systems, surveillance and monitoring of air and sea space, along with projects to improve the military infrastructure, make our country an important asset of the Alliance, in support of operations in the framework of deterrence and collective defense”, the Minister of Defense emphasized in his speech.

The minister also spoke about the government’s recent decision to increase salaries for all members of the Armed Forces. “I take the opportunity to reaffirm the government’s support for the Armed Forces, through the recently approved new salaries. This increase started in 2022 and currently reaches 40%, it is a promise-kept and commitment of the prime minister that the salaries of the Armed Forces will increase every year until we reach the average level of the countries of the Alliance”, emphasized Minister Peleshi.

The “Joint Effort 2024” exercise, which took place in Biza, synchronized the interactive skills of the command and leadership levels as well as the execution of combat actions of the troops in the field. About 2,000 troops, hundreds of land vehicles, Navy ships, Air Force helicopters, and for the first time “Bayraktar TB2” drones were engaged in this exercise.

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He emphasized that Albania is together with other countries to face the challenges in an unstable security environment.

About 220 soldiers from Albania and 7 countries of the region gathered in Biza for the exercise at the level of Special Forces.

During the “Strong Balkan-23” exercise, which takes place for the first time in Albania, there were tested the personal and group skills of the Armed Forces both on the ground and in the air.

There were parachute jumps, including members of the Albanian special forces, who jumped from a considerable height of 1524 meters from a helicopter.

Meanwhile, there was an explosion with explosives and sniper shooting from a 1000 meters distance.

The “Strong Balkan 23” exercise took place for the first time in Albania. Special Forces from 8 Balkan countries participated in this exercise.

From this training, the Special Forces gained an improvement of the professional level, tactical, operational and strategic training, so that to face the complex challenges presented by the current security environment./p.s./

During the “Strong Balkan-23” exercise, which takes place for the first time in Albania, there are tested the personal and group skills of the Armed Forces, both on the ground and in the air.

There were parachute jumps, including members of the Albanian special forces, who jumped from helicopter from a considerable height of 1524 meters.

Meanwhile, the soldiers were trained in explosions with explosives and sniper shooting from a distance of 1000 meters.

The “Strong Balkan 23” exercise takes place for the first time in Albania. Special Forces from 8 Balkan countries participate in this exercise. From this training, the Special Forces simultaneously benefit an increase in professional level, tactical, operational and strategic training, to face the complex challenges presented by today’s security environment. /p.s./

Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi appreciated that these units showed a high level of preparation during the artillery fire and he also shared some photos in the social media.

Peleshi emphasized that the periodic artillery fire sessions with the collective weapons of the infantry are aimed at improving the qualification of the personnel, compact actions in the field of combat and testing of the firearms./p.s./