Addressing a session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Defence to discuss the bill on creation of the company for the production and trade of weapons, ammunition, equipment and military technologies, Defence Minister said that the new legislation aims at creating the first state-owned weapon and military technology manufacturing company in the country.

Peleshi noted that the military industry represents a good opportunity to increase the state budget revenue.

Defence Minister said that company KAYO marks a shift from the existing concept of the state’s participation in various cooperation projects with other private domestic of foreign operators.

Minister Peleshi added that the company’s initial budget is estimated at EUR 3 million.

“KAYO won’t develop the country’s military industry alone, but the company will be the instrument through which the state becomes a shareholder in partnerships with either local or international operators,” he explained.

The Albanian government has prepared the “Made in Albania” Arms Production Law, which regulates the industry for the production, research and development of weapons, ammunition, equipment and military technologies, as well as their trade.

The government aims to revive its dormant weapon production plants from the communist era by partnering with foreign investors through public-private ventures.

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The Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi stated Monday that Albania as a NATO member demonstrates its indisputable commitment to the global security.

“Our participation in Alliance’s missions and exercises shows our continued commitment to defending peace and stability on an international level,” Defense Minister said.

“Albania’s participation and contribution to the NATO-led operations are a clear example of our commitment to international cooperation and promotion of the values of freedom and democracy,” Peleshi added on a post via the social media, sharing images of Albanian troops participating in the exercise in Poland.

Albania is part of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force alongside military personnel from other NATO Allies – Hungary, Latvia, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Spain and Türkiye. Troops from these countries practiced rapid deployment to training grounds in Poland.

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The Minister of Defence announced that the Kosovo Security Force’s enlisted pilots to attend theory and practical training at Farka Airfield in Tirana. The pilots will attend helicopter flight training program which is mandatory for the flight crews.

Albania-Kosovo defence cooperation includes a series of joint military exercises and experience sharing.

The search and rescue teams from Albania’s Armed Forces and Kosovo Security Force conducted a joint exercise in September this year.

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Defence Minister Niko Peleshi said Sunday that has sent its 13^th Armed Forces contingent to join NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.

“Albania has demonstrated to be not only a factor of regional peace and stability and in a wider region, but also a serious ally that assumes responsibility and shares burden of the obligations as part of the Alliance’s collective defence,” Peleshi said.

The 13^th contingent of EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) is part of the Canadian-led NATO battalion in Latvia. In addition to engagement within the country, EOD makes a contribution in Mali, Africa and in Latvia.

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In a press statement after a regular cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the Minister of Defense announced that the Council of Ministers has approved a new wage hike for all military personnel.

“Under a proposal forwarded by the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers approved the decision to increase the monthly salary by 7% for all military personnel from the lowest ranking soldier to the top army general and the decision enters into force immediately on March 1,” Peleshi said.

“The salary hike is no longer a spontaneous phenomenon, but a regular decision being made every year. The Prime Minister has pledged to raise the monthly wages for the servicemen annually so that they receive decent wages and we are seeking to achieve the average salary rate of the allied countries in NATO,” he stated.

Defence Minister noted that the wage level of the armed forces is 40% higher than a year ago.

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