Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi: Albania preparing for NATO’s new era with increased defence investment and Armed Forces modernisation

Published: Tuesday, 21 July 2026 15:20

Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi held a press conference to outline the Ministry of Defence’s strategic priorities, developments within the North Atlantic Alliance, ongoing defence investments, and measures taken to address the wildfire situation across the country.

During the conference, Minister Nufi described the decision to host the next NATO Summit in Tirana as a significant recognition of Albania’s strategic importance and its growing role within the Alliance.

He noted that NATO is entering a new phase of development, referred to as NATO 3.0, and that Albania is preparing to meet the demands of this new strategic environment by strengthening its defence capabilities and increasing strategic investment.

The Minister announced that Albania has already embarked on a credible trajectory of increased defence spending, with 2.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) allocated to the Ministry of Defence's budget. According to Minister Nufi, these investments represent a direct contribution to national security, the country's stability, and the fulfilment of Albania’s commitments to NATO.

In this context, Minister Nufi underlined that the modernisation of the Albanian Armed Forces remains the Ministry’s top priority.

He highlighted the agreement with FINCANTIERI, which is expected to create around 500 jobs at the Pashaliman Naval Base, as well as the establishment of the National Flight School, describing it as a strategic investment and a major step forward in the modernisation of the Albanian Air Force.

The Minister also reaffirmed that Albania will continue to make an active contribution to NATO-led missions and operations, as well as those conducted with its strategic partners, further strengthening its role as a reliable Ally.

Addressing the wildfire situation, Minister Nufi stated that the National Civil Protection Agency (NCPA) has been managing real-time reports received from local authorities while coordinating the deployment of additional ground and aerial assets to respond to emergencies.

He also stressed that surveillance using Bayraktar drones has proven to be an effective tool for the early detection of wildfire hotspots and for enhancing operational coordination on the ground.

In conclusion, Minister Nufi expressed his gratitude to all military personnel, firefighters, members of the Albanian Armed Forces, civil protection authorities, and everyone involved in wildfire suppression and emergency response efforts. He also called on citizens to exercise the utmost responsibility by refraining from lighting fires in open areas, agricultural land, near forests, pastures, or other vegetated areas, in order to prevent the spread of wildfires.