Elite Commando and Reconnaissance Operator Courses successfully conclude; Minister Nufi: Special Forces are at the forefront of the Armed Forces’ transformation

Published: Wednesday, 29 July 2026 18:00

A ceremony marking the completion of the Commando Course and the Reconnaissance Operator Course was held at the Special Operations Regiment (SOR) in Zall-Herr.

The event was attended by Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, senior military officials, service members and the trainees’ families.

The event began with operational demonstrations conducted by the trainees and members of the Special Operations Regiment, showcasing the skills acquired during their intensive training.

Attendees observed scenarios involving survival techniques, the establishment of observation posts, reconnaissance operations, the surveillance of high-value targets, building entry operations, the use of unmanned systems, battlefield extraction, weapons handling and close-quarters combat.

In his address, Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi congratulated the trainees on successfully completing two of the most demanding courses offered by the Armed Forces, describing the occasion as the culmination of a test of character, professionalism and dedication.

“For months, you have faced physical, psychological and professional challenges, proving that Special Forces are built on discipline, determination and trust in the team. Today, you have earned not only a well-deserved qualification, but above all the confidence placed in you to serve among the elite of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania." Minister Nufi said.

Addressing developments in the security environment, Minister Nufi emphasised that technology, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems and hybrid threats are transforming the way conflicts are conducted, while the success of a modern force is measured by its readiness, professionalism and ability to adapt.

“The Special Operations Regiment embodies precisely these qualities and represents the pinnacle of the Armed Forces’ operational capabilities. Albania is an active participant in NATO 3.0 transformation and is making substantial investments to build modern Armed Forces capable of contributing with distinction to the Alliance’s collective defence,” he stated.

Minister Nufi noted that the increase in the defence budget to 2.6% of Gross Domestic Product demonstrates the Albanian Government’s commitment to strengthening national defence and security. He also stressed that people remain at the heart of this transformation.

“We aim to build Armed Forces that are more modern, more capable and fully interoperable with our allies, forces equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern infrastructure and, above all, personnel trained to the highest NATO standards. And at the heart of this transformation are our people!” Minister Nufi said.

The ceremony also included the commando trainees’ oath, the symbolic presentation of the blue berets and the awarding of certificates to distinguished trainees by the Minister of Defence, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the Commander of the Special Operations Regiment.

Following the ceremony, the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the General Staff visited the headquarters of the Special Operations Regiment, where they received a detailed briefing on the unit’s progress, missions, capabilities and development priorities.