The Kuçovë Air Base is becoming a strategic asset of NATO, thanks to investments in infrastructure, modernization, and training, increasing Albania’s geostrategic importance.

The modernization of the Air Force, including the fleet of combat drones, which now also serve civil missions, remains a key priority for national security. The base will also serve to elevate the preparation of Albanian aviators to another level.

Prime Minister Edi Rama inspected the Kuçovë Air Base today and met with its staff, accompanied by the Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu.

“We are here in the second phase of the development of the Kuçovë Air Base, following its inauguration with NATO’s support. Work has continued on building new facilities. We are now in the fortified area of the ammunition depots for missiles and guided bombs, where we have recently accommodated all the ammunition and guided bombs, along with kamikaze drones as part of the agreement with our Turkish ally. We continue in the second area, where the construction of the training center has just been completed. We have recently received this facility and witnessed a brief demonstration at the drone operations center, where the Bajraktar drones are currently on a mission for agencies requesting aerial monitoring. After several missions with the Interior Ministry and the National Inspectorate for Territorial Protection (IKMT), we were in the Vjosa Valley today, where the drones are currently conducting surveillance of the territory.”

“80% of the helicopter fleet has been returned to full operational status, and some vehicles are still undergoing repairs, which will be completed in the coming weeks,” informed Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu, emphasizing that, “The control tower will be located in Vlorë. Given that such a tactical NATO base also implies the arrival of many allied pilots, instructors, and aviation technicians, both American and from other allies.”
“In fact, the Kuçovë tactical base involves the permanent deployment of 35 personnel here. We are also fully rehabilitating the old officers’ house in the city of Kuçovë to ensure that all personnel and their families stay as comfortably as possible.”