Armed Forces Academy and University of Vlora join forces, Defence Minister Vengu: “We aim to rebuild Albania’s Military Industry”

Published: Thursday, 10 April 2025 18:15

 

 

In a significant step toward strengthening Albania’s defence capabilities and reviving its military industry, the Armed Forces Academy and the University of Vlora “Ismail Qemali” signed three cooperation agreements.

 

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Defence Minister Mr. Pirro Vengu, Brigadier General Bardhyl Nuredinaj, Commander and Rector of the Armed Forces Academy, and Professor Dr. Aurela Saliaj, Rector of the University of Vlora.

The agreements set out plans to launch Master’s programmes in Armament Engineering with specialisations in Aviation and Naval Technology, promote academic staff exchange, and implement joint research initiatives.

In his speech, Defence Minister Vengu underlined the strategic value of this partnership, especially at a time when Vlora is poised to become a hub of development with the revival of the naval sector and the opening of the aviation school.

“We insisted on this agreement for two key reasons.” - he said. “First, because both the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces must invest in building national capacities. Our Armed Forces are more than just protectors of territorial integrity — they are engineers, cyber specialists, legal experts, disaster response coordinators, and more. We must expand their academic and professional training to reflect this wide scope of roles.”

Minister Vengu also emphasized the long-term vision behind the partnership: “We intend to establish an innovation unit in aviation, using the combined scientific resources of the Armed Forces Academy and the University of Vlora. This is especially important as the Vlora Airport becomes operational. The impact of this collaboration goes beyond national defence — it will positively influence our economy as well.”

Touching on Albania’s broader industrial ambitions, the Minister added: “The naval industry is being revived, and Pashaliman is the only location in Albania capable of supporting that effort. Our Armed Forces need naval engineers — both for maintaining existing fleets and for future capacities. At the same time, our economy needs these experts to support tourism-related vessel services and, increasingly, the production of new maritime assets, in line with our agreement with the Italian government.”

During his visit and discussion with professors and students at the University of Vlora, Defence Minister Vengu stressed that developing military and civilian capacities must go hand in hand.

“This agreement offers a valuable opportunity for the youth of both institutions and is an essential building block in Albania’s effort to rebuild its defence industry.” - he said.

The Armed Forces Academy also plans to expand this cooperation model to other universities across the country, aiming to give the project a national dimension.