USA donate 37 MRAPs to the Armed Forces, Xhaçka: Performance and capacities of AAF will increase even more

Published: Thursday, 04 April 2019 15:02

The performance and capacities of Albania’s Armed Forces will increase even more, thanks to the generosity of the United States Government, which donated 37 Mine Resistant and Ambush Protected vehicles to the AAF.

The Armored Vehicles of the International MaxxPro MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) brand will be used by the structures of our Armed Forces, which are part of NATO’s collective defense.

Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the United States in our country Ms. Leyla Moses-Ones, and Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Brigadier General Bardhyl Kollçaku were present at the donation ceremony.

Minister Xhaçka acknowledged the US Government for its continual support to our country and assessed the importance of the donation of 37 MRAPs, which will increase the capabilities and performance of our Armed Forces.

“This package is translated into more capacities quality, more joint commitments and certainly more security for both our country and the Alliance. New armaments under the NATO standard, the new HMMWV and MRAP armored vehicles package that are being added to the AAF equipment inventory, are changing in a qualitative way the daily reality of our soldiers’ duties as well as increasing day-to-day performance during the exercise of their tasks in the theaters of the participating operations.
The vehicles will enable the extension of tasks and troop’s mission spectrum and will enhance troops’ safety, especially against mines and improvised explosive devices, which is now considered to be one of the most present threats to the operating environment,” - said Minister Xhaçka.


Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the United States in our country Ms. Leyla Moses-Ones, described the donation of armored vehicles as assistance not only for our country but also for the Alliance. Ms. Moses-Ones praised the role of Albania in the region and the current leadership of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces, in strengthening the cooperation in the field of Defence.
“This new armored capability will enhance Albanian’s internal defense, strengthen NATO’s southern flank, and provide critical combat power to NATO that can be deployed in support of global operations. It is yet another example of how Albania is stepping up as a regional leader in the Balkans.
Under the outstanding leadership of Minister Xhaçka and Brig. Gen. Kollçaku, communication and cooperation between our two militaries has never been stronger. While the delivery of these vehicles marks the completion of one phase of our cooperation.”

The delivery of 37 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (or MRAPs) are part of the United States government’s aid package to our Armed Forces.
The MRAPs hold a crew of 3-7 soldiers.