Albania is undergoing a significant transformation of its defence and security posture, guided by three core documents: the National Security Strategy, the Military Strategy, and the Long Term Development Plan, PAZH 2024–2033.
These policies align Albania closely with NATO’s evolving requirements and respond to a rapidly changing security landscape shaped by hybrid threats, cyber risks, and regional instability. The study highlights how Albania is strengthening national resilience, modernizing its Armed Forces, and deepening cooperation with NATO, the EU, and key bilateral partners.
Modernization Priorities
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Closing critical gaps in air defence, cyber defence, and critical infrastructure protection
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Upgrading land mobility, naval surveillance, and radar networks
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Expanded use of unmanned aerial systems, UAVs, and improved C4ISR capabilities
Investment & NATO Alignment
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Defence spending now meets NATO’s 2% benchmark, aligned with the broader 5% defence and resilience pledge
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Around 20% of the budget is dedicated to modernization
Human Capital
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Continued professionalization of personnel, strengthened NCO corps, and revitalized reserve forces
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Defence education aligned with NATO standards through partnerships and accredited academic programs
International Engagement
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Active participation in NATO exercises, for example Defender Europe, and contributions to KFOR and EU missions
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Strengthened security partnerships with the EU, OSCE, United States, Italy, Turkey, France, and others
Resilience & Civil Protection
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Enhanced capacity of the National Civil Protection Agency
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Focus on energy security, cyber resilience, and migration management
Outlook to 2035
Albania is positioned to become a reference point for defence reform in the Balkans, provided modernization, governance reforms, and interagency coordination continue consistently.