Newsroom Defence achievements in 2022, from the start of the construction of the NATO base in Kuçova to the modernization of the AF and Civil Protection 
The year 2022 counts a series of achievements for the Ministry of Defence and Albania Armed Forces. Starting work for the construction of the tactical NATO Air Base in Kuçova and the signing of the satellite service contract in the field of Defence and Security, are just two of the achievements that marked this year. With a government decision, salaries for all Armed Forces military were increased 30%, with the commitment in the state budget for another increase during the coming year.
Thanks to the important cooperation and strategic partnership with the USA, this year holds the record of projects for the modernization of the AF and three of them are: the project implementation for the establishment and strengthening of the Military Cyber Defence Unit, the completion of the first phase of the project of communication Ground-Air-Ground (GAG), and equipment with anti-tank missile system "Javelin" and anti-aircraft "Stinger".
Another important aspect for the AF is the fact that the US activated the Advanced Headquarters of the US Special Forces Command in Albania.
Recently, Albania also signed the agreement for the unmanned combat aircraft "bayraktar" with the Turkish company "Baykar". This year was also successful for the Light Infantry Group- Battalion, as it was certified as "combat ready" by NATO.
During this year began the project implementation that transforms the AF Academy according to the American "West Point" model and the first academic year at the Defence College. Albania continues to be a successful exporter of peace with 7 missions abroad, by joining the new NATO mission in Novo Selo, Bulgaria.
Since the beginning of the Russian aggression in February 2022, Albania aligned itself on the side of peace and security, being an active political and military supporter of Ukraine.
Civil emergencies received further increased attention. Albania became a member of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, while the National Operational Centre for Civil Emergencies was established. The loan agreement with the Italian government for 30 million Euros was also signed to strengthen the Civil Defence System. 13 projects for municipalities to reduce the risk from natural disasters were also supported.
Sport and culture took on a new dimension within the AF. A special structure for elite athletes was created at the Ministry of Defence, as well as the Symphony Orchestra and the Armed Forces Choir. On the occasion of the 110th Anniversary of Independence and the 110th Anniversary of the AF, 300 artists from NATO countries and Kosovo performed in Tirana.
