Signing Ceremony for Black Hawk helicopters, Xhaçka and Ambassador Kim: “krah për krah” as distinguished allies

Published: Friday, 29 May 2020 10:29

In a special ceremony held at Farka Air Base, the Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka and the US Ambassador to Tirana, Yuri Kim signed the contract of acceptance to equip the Albanian Air Force with Black Hawk helicopters. Helicopters, assisted by the US government, are expected to arrive in Albania soon, and for Minister Xhaçka, this contribution increases the capability of the Albanian Armed Forces.

"I am happy that today, through this signature, we show our citizens we are not alone. We have friends. We are friends. We will be ‘krah për krah’, especially in difficult times. Black Hawk helicopters, which will soon be part of our Air Force, the colossal investment in the Kuçova Base, the radar system after the agreement with the American company Lockeed Martin, all these are indicators of rebuilding the Air Force with safe steps and on the side of the strategic ally.

Although Albania's capacities are still modest, I strongly believe that the added value of this infrastructure for the Alliance and our American allies is very significant. We are working hard to consolidate and improve the professionalism and readiness of our forces. As we will do with the creation of a multifunctional training center that will prepare our staff for a number of specializations of the Air Force ", remarks Minister Xhaçka.

The US Ambassador Yuri Kim said the United States and Albania are and will continue to stand “krah për krah”.

The project to equip the Air Force with American Black Hawk helicopters initiated a year ago during Minister Xhaçka visit to the New Jersey National Guard. Over the course of a year, there have been various training sessions of Albanian pilots at this guard and of American specialists at the Air Force for developing their skills on how to use new vehicles, which will be part of the Albanian Air Fleet.