Prime Minister Rama and Minister Vengu inspect the Kuçova Air Base

Published: Tuesday, 18 March 2025 14:17

Together with Prime Minister Edi Rama, Defence Minister Pirro Vengu inspected the Kuçova Air Base. Minister Vengu briefed the Prime Minister on the investments made.

“We are now in the second phase of developing the Kuçova Air Base, following its inauguration with NATO support. Work has continued on the construction of new facilities. Currently, we are in the fortified zone for storing aviation munitions and weaponry, including guided missiles and bombs. This is where we’ve housed all the recently arrived munitions and guided bombs, along with loitering munitions, as part of the agreement with our Turkish ally.” - said Vengu.

The Minister added that the combat drone squadron has expanded and is now fully operational, capable of conducting nighttime operations as well: “They are deployable and fully interoperable.” - he stated.

Minister Vengu also announced that construction of the new Training Center has just been completed and the facility has officially been handed over.

The Prime Minister observed a short demonstration mission by the “Bayraktar” drones, which were monitoring the Vjosa Valley from the air at the request of the Civil Protection Agency. In addition to patrolling land and sea borders, this center is available for any task assigned by other law enforcement agencies.

Minister Vengu also revealed that the new Pilot Training School will be based in Vlora: “ Kuçova Tactical Base currently has a staff of 350, so we’re also rehabilitating the former Officers’ House in Kuçova to accommodate the personnel and their families.” - the minister explained.

Thanks to investments in infrastructure, modernization, and training, the Kuçova Air Base is becoming a strategic NATO asset.