The opposition Democratic Party said earlier that the winning bidder, Spanish company Air Tractor Europe S.L., had been involved in legal proceedings in Spain and called for the tender to be cancelled.

In a statement, the Ministry said all defence and security procurement procedures are carried out in accordance with Albanian law and based on the principles of legality, transparency, competition and equal treatment of economic operators.

The Ministry dismissed claims that the process was a “closed tender” or had been conducted in violation of legal requirements.

According to the Ministry, two companies participated in the bidding process. The winning bidder submitted the lowest-priced offer, while the second bidder was disqualified for failing to meet the required legal, economic and technical qualification criteria.

The Ministry also rejected allegations that the winning company, Aviation Trade Europe S.L., is barred from contracting with public administrations. It said the company had submitted a criminal record certificate confirming the absence of any criminal convictions and remains fully eligible to participate in public procurement procedures.

The Ministry noted that reports cited by critics relate to an ongoing court case in Spain for which no final ruling has been issued and which remains under review by Spain’s Supreme Court. As a result, it said, the case carries no legal effect and cannot serve as grounds for excluding the company from public tenders.

It added that the company continues to secure contracts with public authorities in NATO member states and other international partners, including the defence ministry of Cyprus and the interior ministry of Montenegro.

The Defence Ministry described the acquisition of aerial firefighting capabilities as a strategic investment aimed at strengthening civil protection, safeguarding lives and property, and improving environmental protection, reiterating its commitment to conducting all procurement procedures in accordance with the law and in the public interest.

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The aircraft are being built and will be delivered once production is complete, Vengu told reporters while inspecting firefighting efforts in the affected municipality of Delvinë, southern Albania.

Defense Minister said Albania was also training pilots to operate the new planes, noting the country has not had fixed-wing pilots since 2007.

“Forming the pilot teams is the most urgent step,” Vengu said, adding that an aviation school is set to open in June 2026 in the southern city of Vlorë.

He said helicopters have been flying almost daily for two months now to respond to fires and other emergencies, with additional support coming from European partners through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Vengu outlined broader plans to strengthen Albania’s crisis response, including four regional civil protection centres to host and supply firefighting units and aircraft as part of the government’s “Albania 2030” programme.

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