The 42nd European chapter meeting of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) is being held from Sept. 19-23.

The agenda covers organised crime, terrorism, online extremism, drones, cybercrime, illicit financial flows, asset seizures, narcotics and extraditions.

Senior officials from Albania’s State Police, Special Prosecution Office (SPAK), National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) and prosecutors’ offices are taking part. U.S. participants include FBI Deputy Assistant Director Spencer Horn and FBI legal attaché in Sofia Brendan Collins.

The meeting is examining the Budapest Organized Crime Task Force, marking 25 years of cooperation, as well as the U.S. Joint Terrorism Task Force model for investigating terrorist threats.

A session will focus on the online group “764”, which U.S. authorities have linked to forms of violent extremism and criminal activity, as well as emerging forms of violent extremism and Albania’s experience in addressing them.

FBI Laboratory Division experts will also present technologies used to examine and analyse drones.

Participants will discuss cybercrime, international cooperation against criminal networks, tracing illicit proceeds and the use of seized and confiscated assets for public purposes. BKH investigator Eduart Kaloshi will present a narcotics case investigated by the bureau.

The final day will focus on extraditions, including Albanian procedures, practical challenges and cooperation with other countries.

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He made the statement during the event held today for the delivery to the Armed Forces of the first 40 tactical vehicles manufactured in Albania with NATO standards by the “Timak Defence” company.

PM Rama called on young people to join the Armed Forces, underlining that military service is now associated with technology and innovation.

PM Rama said that, “I can’t help telling you some other things that we are beginning to produce in the country. Thus, Albania will protect its airspace using “Made in Albania” super-intelligent drones. We have made progress with the most sophisticated air defense and we shall have it soon”. /k.s/r.e/p.s./

Addressing reports of possible NATO investigations into the deal with Elbit, Nufi stated at a press conference that there is no official confirmation of the agreement’s suspension.

“Our drone production contract with Elbit Systems is proceeding as planned, based on a solid Albania-Israel agreement. Despite rumors, we have received no suspension notice, and we are moving forward with this advanced technology partnership”, stated Nufi.

He added that Albania maintains full compliance with international arms control treaties, adhering to NATO standards for all defense exports.

During the same conference, Director of the “KAYO” co. Ardi Veliu stated that the production process of the “Made in Albania” drones is underway, despite some delays caused by the situation in the Middle East and the supply chain.

“Production complex construction is on schedule for a summer completion, with only minor, manageable delays from the Middle East situation”, said Veliu. /e.xh/a.f/r.e/p.s./

The Embassy said the drones feature thermal imaging technology, enabling continuous monitoring both day and night.

“The Albanian State Police Antiterrorism Unit is getting equipped with the latest American-made drones. With thermal imaging technology, these drones can increase the ability of Albanian State Police in monitoring situations day and night to protect borders and to track violent elements,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement.

According to the Embassy, the drones are designed and manufactured in the United States, used by U.S. law enforcement and military forces, and built to meet military-grade specifications.

The investment is expected to significantly strengthen the operational capabilities of the State Police, particularly in territorial control and border security.

The Embassy said support for Albania’s security institutions remains a priority, aimed at raising standards and improving efficiency in addressing a range of threats.

Officials said the new technology would transform how the anti-terror unit operates, improving its ability to manage situations, prevent violent and terrorist acts, and protect both Albanian citizens and foreign visitors.

The drones are capable of extended flight endurance and provide 360-degree surveillance with zoom capabilities, allowing for enhanced situational awareness.

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In response to the question of the Freedom Party MP Edmond Haxhinasto on developments in the arms production industry, Minister Vengu said that these contracts foresee the production of ammunition, personal tools and equipment, uniforms, light weapons, drones, anti-drone systems as well as tools for civil emergencies.

The minister also said that negotiations with the “Fincantieri” company for reconstruction of the Pashalimani shipyard, in cooperation with the Italian giant, are in the final phase.

“This project aims not only to produce and maintain ships for the Albanian Armed Forces, but also manufacturing and maintaining equipment for allied requirements”, said Vengu.

Vengu said that the first ‘Made in Albania’ products are expected to start production this year.

“We expect the first ‘Made in Albania’ products for tactical equipment, emergency equipment, uniforms and ammunition to start production this year,” Vengu said.

He stressed that the country has entered a phase where it aims to ensure a sustainable supply chain for all military production by-products, so that Albania is fully compliant with NATO standards and national policies, while aligned with our allies’ preferences. /gj.m/r.e/a.f/p.s./

Hoxha said that these movements could be dangerous for the border area, but not for the citizens of Kosovo. He stressed that in addition to KFOR, they have also notified other international partners.

“During the last few days, there have been drone flights in the northern part of Kosovo that we suspect come from the territory of Serbia. The police is in contact with KFOR and we are monitoring what can be done. It is dangerous for the border area, but not for our citizens. We are protecting them. While the airspace is the responsibility of KFOR; we have notified KFOR and our partners”, said Hoxha. /KosovaPress/p.s./

The government head underlined in a political talk show this evening that Albania has entered “a new phase” despite setbacks from the 2019 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During the NATO summit in Tirana, which represents the highest level of global security, we will protect the city’s airspace with drones produced in Albania,” Rama said.

He added that Albania would not only build drones for domestic use but also for export.

“We will export drones ‘Made in Albania’,” Rama said, noting that production would take place in partnership with international companies.

Rama also said the government planned to manufacture school buses, military vehicles and uniforms locally.

Rama said the Defence Ministry would co-own the new military industry, marking a break with past scandals.

“The Defence Ministry, which once allowed deadly arms trafficking and ammunition dismantling that killed people, will now be a shareholder in this industry. The Albanian state will profit from it,” he said.

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Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu wrote in a post in the social media that, “Since the early hours of the morning, the Air Force’s Bayraktar TB2 drones have carried out flights over 18 active hot spots to assess the level of risk”.

According to Vengu, “Air Force crews and our field staff are ready to intervene anywhere on the ground, with priority in residential areas”.

Due to the high risk of fires in all regions of the country, the Ministry of Defense said that the Civil Protection Committee has requested all institutions to increase their readiness and inter-institutional cooperation, while citizens should show increased caution, not to light fires in open spaces and to report any suspicious cases to the authorities. /m.q//r.e/p.s./

Defense Minister revealed that Albania is currently negotiating with Israel, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates to establish production lines for military equipment, including drones, on Albanian soil.

“We want to ensure that defense spending on weapons procurement contributes directly to domestic production, generating added value for our country,” Vengu said. “We will begin producing armored vehicles as part of revitalizing our military industry. Of nine ongoing negotiations, two have been successfully concluded regarding military vehicles, and another concerning military uniforms. Talks are also underway for the production of small- and medium-caliber ammunition and armed drones.”

Vengu emphasized that the defense budget will see a twofold increase, in line with commitments made at the NATO Summit in The Hague.

Commenting on the summit, Vengu said U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, which stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. “President Trump reiterated Article 5 and the readiness of American leadership to honor the obligations deriving from it. It is clearly reflected in the summit’s final declaration,” he noted.

He added that NATO allies also agreed to increase their individual defense budgets, in accordance with Article 3, which urges member states to strengthen their self-defense capacities.

“Albania currently allocates 2.01% of GDP to defense, and the summit declaration outlines a target of raising this to 3.5% over the next 10 years – an annual increase of 0.15%, effectively doubling the current defense budget,” Vengu explained.

Commenting on infrastructure and strategic investment, Vengu announced that construction work on the Port of Durrës redevelopment project is set to begin this year. “Procedures are being finalized. This is not only an economic investment but one that will serve Albania’s military resilience as well,” he said.

Defense Minister also confirmed that preparations are underway for Albania to host the NATO Summit in 2027, marking the first time the country will organize such a high-level event.

“The preparatory work began some time ago. The Albanian team was involved in the organization of the Hague summit, which demonstrates the trust placed in Albania’s regional role. A nationwide inter-institutional group is working to evaluate the most suitable location and infrastructure. The host city has not yet been decided, though traditionally such summits are held in capital cities,” Vengu concluded.

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In remarks at a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on a visit to Tirana, PM Rama said today marks a new stage in the efforts to boost Albania’s defense industry.

“Today marks a new stage in strengthening Albania’s defense industry and further bolstering this defense relation, as Türkiye has become a top defense manufacturer. I highly praise the President’s present today by giving Albanian army a considerable number of kamikaze drones,” PM Rama said.

“It is a present that comes as a strong message from the Republic of Türkiye that Albania is unhittable,” Rama stated at the joint news conference during on one-day visit by Erdoğan.

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