The new campus of the Albanian Armed Forces Academy will bring to Albania the model of one of the best academies in the USA, West Point

Published: Thursday, 06 March 2025 15:12

The new campus of the Albanian Armed Forces, designed to NATO standards, will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including classrooms, dormitories, a health center, cinema, gym, indoor pool, sports fields, and outdoor military training areas such as shooting ranges and an alpine tower.
The academy will initially accommodate 300 students, with new programs including Artificial Intelligence, offering joint degrees with the Polytechnic University and partnerships with NATO allied academies.
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the construction site with Defence Minister Pirro Vengu to oversee progress. The campus will occupy 45 hectares, with 10 dedicated to the academy. The first phase is almost complete and will house the Security and Defense Faculty. By July, construction should be finished, including a renovated building for the canteen and staff facilities. The second phase will include sports fields and dormitories.
Minister Vengu highlighted strong interest in the academy’s programs, including cyber defense and AI, with a rigorous selection process. The campus will also integrate natural elements, aiming for low-impact structures that blend with the environment.
Prime Minister Rama emphasized quality over speed, aiming for a fully operational campus by October for the academic year. Once complete, the academy will serve as a reference point for the Armed Forces and potentially generate revenue for the defense budget through services and tourism.