Albania will enhance its firepower and build up domestic arms production capacity through a new agreement with Israel’s Elbit Systems. The arrangement includes deliveries of 155mm ATMOS self-propelled howitzers, 120mm SPEAR mortar systems, and two tactical unmanned systems—the Magni-X quadcopter and the Thor drone. Elbit will also support Albania in creating local manufacturing lines.
The Magni-X drone carries a 1.5-kilogram (3.3-pound) payload and can operate for an hour, even in GPS-challenged environments. The Thor, weighing 15 kilograms (33 pounds), is capable of releasing small munitions and can remain airborne for around 70 minutes unloaded. Albania will receive 10 drones in the first phase before moving forward with a northern drone production hub.
Other nations have also contributed to Albania’s defense buildup. The United States has supplied vehicles, weapons, training, and guidance to assist with NATO compliance. Italy has provided patrol boats and naval hardware, Germany has delivered communications gear and logistical systems, and Turkey has reportedly supplied drones and offered training to bolster mechanized infantry operations.
