Editing Albanian Armed Forces (section)

===Modernisation===
[[File:Albanian army badge.svg|thumb|190px|left|Albanian [[flag patch]] worn on Army uniforms]]
[[File:Albanian army badges.jpg|thumb|190px|right|Albanian Army badges]]
[[File:Albanian special operations forces, provide security as Afghan Border Police (ABP) break ground on a new checkpoint in the district of Spin Boldak, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, March 25, 2013 130325-A-MX357-127.jpg|190px|thumb|right|Albanian special forces soldier in Afghanistan, 2013]]

After several major re-equipment programs, in 2001 the Albanian Armed Forces launched a 10-year reform program to become technologically advanced and fully professional by 2011. The new armed forces consists of about 14,500 troops including 2,000 civilians, trained to [[NATO]] standards.<ref>{{cite web|last=Koci|first=Jonilda|title=Albania to abolish conscription by 2010|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2008/08/21/feature-03|publisher=SETimes|access-date=4 September 2010}}</ref> The same radical reform is being implemented on surplus equipment, including [[airplanes]], [[tank]]s, [[helicopters]], [[artillery]] equipment, navy vessels, SALW and [[ammunition]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chinauncensored.com/index.php/kaleidoscope/93-how-albania-destroyed-11000-pieces-of-artilleries|title=How Albania Destroyed 11,000 Chinese Artillery Pieces|website=www.chinauncensored.com|language=en-gb|access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref> Albania started an ambitious destruction program. However, Albania is still dealing with a huge amount of surplus and obsolete ammunition, a direct result of the country's long isolation and ethnic tensions in the area. The [[Ministry of Defence (Albania)|Albanian Ministry of Defense]] estimates such quantity up to 85,000 tons, but it is expected to increase up to 104,000 tons due to the ongoing downsizing process of the AAF.

In 2004 U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] authorised the use of [[Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction]] program funds for projects in Albania, marking the first time such funds were reauthorised for use outside the former Soviet Union. With this funding the U.S. assisted the Government of Albania with the destruction of a stockpile of [[chemical warfare]] agents left over from the communist regime (Category 1, Total amount 16.7 tons).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/cwcglance.asp|title=Armscontrol.org|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-date=16 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416183932/http://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/cwcglance.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The final cost of the project was US$48 million and was officially completed on 10 July 2007.

On 3 April 2006, the final contract for the delivery of 12 ''Bölkow-Blom MBB'' [[BO-105]] lightweight twin-engine multi-role helicopters to the Republic of Albania was signed in [[Tirana]] between the Albanian Ministry of Defence and [[Eurocopter]] ''Deutschland GmbH''. According to the Albanian Government,<ref>Germany will supply Albania with 12 BO-105 Helicopters</ref> six of the BO-105 helicopters are designated for the Albanian Air Brigade, four for the [[Ministry of Interior]] and the remaining two for the Albanian Ministry of Health.

Albania has recently acquired four [[Eurocopter AS532 Cougar]] helicopters and has two more EC 145 on order as of 2015. Also, since 2008 four [[Damen Stan 4207 patrol vessel]]s have been commissioned in the Navy, three of them have been constructed in Albania.

On 16 July 2014, The Albanian Defence Minister declared that within 2014 the Albanian Motorised Infantry Battalion will be fully combat ready and also equipped with modern NATO equipment. This will be the first unit in the Albanian Armed Forces to not have the AK 47 in its inventory. Instead the M4 carbine will act as its standard battle rifle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.gov.al/index.php/newsroom-2/567-zhvillohet-analiza-e-300-diteve-te-para-te-punes-se-ministrise-se-mbrojtjes|title=Zhvillohet analiza e 300 ditëve të para të punës së Ministrisë së Mbrojtjes|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-date=23 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023144008/http://www.mod.gov.al/index.php/newsroom-2/567-zhvillohet-analiza-e-300-diteve-te-para-te-punes-se-ministrise-se-mbrojtjes|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In August 2018, the [[Prime Minister of Albania]], [[Edi Rama]], announced via [[Facebook]] that NATO would be investing in the base, saying "NATO will invest more than 50 million euros ($58 million) for the first phase of the project alone, to modernise the [[Kuçovë Air Base]]."<ref name="2018-08-05_SD">[http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/NATO_to_revamp_Albanian_air_base_PM_999.html NATO to revamp Albanian air base: PM], SpaceDaily, 5 August 2018</ref>

The process of modernization of the Albanian Armed Forces is based on the short-term, middle-term and long-term objectives and priorities of their restructuring and development aiming at achieving the increase of the operational capacities. The modernization programme started before the country's [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] membership (on 1 April 2009) with the purchase of armaments produced by the [[Member states of NATO|NATO]] countries. It also started a programme for the disposal and alienation of surplus ammunition inherited from the communist regime for 50 years.

====Ground Forces====
The modernization of the Land Forces began around 2006, starting with Special Forces such as the BFS (then known as the Batalioni i Operacioneve Speciale, BOS) and the Commandos. Seeing their involvement in NATO peacekeeping operations in [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]], the need arose for more modern armaments given that until then these branches used old Soviet or Chinese era armaments. In 2007, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) reached agreement with the German company [[Heckler & Koch]] for the purchase of several weapons in limited quantities for special forces, including [[Heckler & Koch HK416|HK416]], two variants of [[Heckler & Koch G36|H&K G36]], [[Heckler & Koch HK417|HK417]], [[Heckler & Koch MP7|MP7]], and variants of [[Heckler & Koch USP|H&K USP]].<ref name="H&K in Albania">{{cite AV media|language=sq |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pomD16sAV5s&t=370s  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/pomD16sAV5s| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|publisher=Pellumb Nili Youtube Channel | title=H&K in Albania}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Some of them were only for evaluation purposes. In 2009 the [[Beretta ARX160]] was issued in much larger quantities thus becoming the standard assault rifle for the BFS over the HK416 and HK G-36. In 2015, the [[Colt M4A1]] joined ARX160 as standard use alongside it.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Soldier Modernisation {{!}} Italian Digitization Steps (ITALY)|url=https://www.soldiermod.com/volume-2-06/italian-digitisation.html|access-date=2020-07-25|website=www.soldiermod.com}}</ref> For the 3 infantry battalions, the modernization started in 2013, initially introducing the as standard handgun the [[Beretta Px4]], as a [[light machine gun]] [[Heckler & Koch MG4|H&K MG4]] and [[Heckler & Koch MG5|H&K MG5]] as a [[General-purpose machine gun]].<ref name="AAF new weapons">{{cite AV media|language=sq |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i0hiqLsJ0Q&t=9s  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/0i0hiqLsJ0Q| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|publisher=Ministry of Defence Youtube Channel | title=Presentation of the AAF new weapons}}{{cbignore}}</ref><br>
In 2015 other weapons were introduced over all ground units. The [[2nd Infantry Battalion (Albania)|2nd Infantry Battalion]] (B2K) was equipped with Colt M4A1.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-07-17|title=Albania Army Bids Farewell to Kalashnikovs|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2014/07/17/albania-s-army-bids-farewell-to-the-kalashnikov/|access-date=2020-07-25|website=Balkan Insight|language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Military Police (Albania)|Military Police]] was equipped with the Beretta ARX160 and added 4 new Iveco LMV vehicles.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=6 November 2015|title=Hapa të tjerë drejt modernizmit|url=https://www.mod.gov.al/images/gazetaushtria/pdf/2015/ushtria_061115.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.mod.gov.al/images/gazetaushtria/pdf/2015/ushtria_061115.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|journal=Gazeta Ushtria}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=FA merr dy helikopterë të rinj dhe katër mjete të blinduara|url=http://www.gazetadita.al/fa-merr-dy-helikoptere-te-rinj-dhe-kater-mjete-te-blinduara/|access-date=2020-07-25|website=Gazeta Dita|language=en-US|archive-date=25 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725214029/http://www.gazetadita.al/fa-merr-dy-helikoptere-te-rinj-dhe-kater-mjete-te-blinduara/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Sako TRG|Sako TRG-22]] and [[Sako TRG|TGR-44]] were distributed to all sniper units, while the [[Benelli M4 Super 90]] to the BFS and MP for [[Close-quarters combat]].<br>
The following year the [[Italian Government]] offered an aid package of 5,000 [[Beretta AR70/90]] units, which at the time were in the process of being withdrawn and replaced in favor of the Beretta ARX160 over [[Italian Army]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-10-16|title=Italy to Transfer Beretta AR70/90s to Albania -|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/10/16/italy-transfer-beretta-ar7090s-albania/|access-date=2020-07-25|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}</ref> This package fitted the needs of the Albanian Armed Forces (AAF) as the process of replacing the old Soviet [[7.62×39mm]] ammunition with [[5.56×45mm NATO|5.56×45mm]], a task-requirement by [[Standardization Agreement]] (STANAG) of NATO allies since Albania's accession in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Anëtarësimi në NATO, Kodheli: Standardizimi i çdo elementi, parimi i punës sonë|url=https://sot.com.al/politike/an%C3%ABtar%C3%ABsimi-n%C3%AB-nato-kodheli-standardizimi-i-%C3%A7do-elementi-parimi-i-pun%C3%ABs-son%C3%AB|access-date=2020-07-25|website=sot.com.al}}</ref> The process that was expected to last within 10 years, but the aid package helped completing the process 4 years earlier and without additional costs. After the process of replacing the AK47 variants (many of which were locally produced under the name ASh-78 and ASh-82) with the AR70/90 was ended, the rifle became the standard weapon and most used over most Land Forces branches.<br>
In 2017 the Combat Support Battalion (Batalioni Mbështetjes së Luftimit, BML) was equipped with [[Hirtenberger M6C-210|Hirtenberger M6]] 60mm and Hirtenberger M8 81mm mortars by the Austrian company Hirtenberger Defense Systems. Thus removing from use the Chinese made mortars from the communist period. In March of the same year came the first 77 [[Humvee|HMMWV M1114]] of an aid package totaling 250 armored vehicles. They are obtained from [[Excess Defense Articles]] (EDA) through the [[Defense Security Cooperation Agency]], a [[United States]] program to support NATO partners and allies.<ref name="Excess Defense Articles (EDA)">{{cite web|title=Excess Defense Articles (EDA)|url=http://www.dsca.mil/programs/excess-defense-articles-eda|publisher=Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)|format=.exe|date=6 March 2017|access-date=2017-09-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907024912/http://dsca.mil/programs/excess-defense-articles-eda|archive-date=2017-09-07|url-status=live}}</ref> The vehicles were immediately put at the service of B1K. In 2019 came the second part of the package of 250 vehicles and it consisted of 36 [[International MaxxPro]] and 1 MaxxPro Wrecker recovery vehicle. These vehicles joined the previous 3 MaxxPro bringing the total number of MRAPs used by Special Forces to 40.<ref name="Excess Defense Articles (EDA)"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=US donates 37 MRAP vehicles to Albania|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/april_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/us_donates_37_mrap_vehicles_to_albania_37_mine-resistant_ambush-protected_mrap_vehicles_donated_by_the_us_government_were_handed-off_for_the_alban.html|access-date=2020-07-25|website=www.armyrecognition.com|date=16 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416173746/https://www.armyrecognition.com/april_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/us_donates_37_mrap_vehicles_to_albania_37_mine-resistant_ambush-protected_mrap_vehicles_donated_by_the_us_government_were_handed-off_for_the_alban.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following the 2024-2033 Armed Forces Long Term Development Plan, structural changes were made. Namely the 1st and 3rd Infantry Battalions are now increased to Regiment size and are renamed to Northern and Southern Infantry Regiment respectively. The Special Forces Battalion and the Commando Battalion are merged under same command named Special Operations Regiment. Combat Support Battalion was also transformed to Combat Support Regiment with plans to equip it with 105mm and 155mm howitzer for an Artillery Battalion on its component. The Infantry Regiments and Special Operations Regiment will be equipped with C-UAS, V-ShoRAD and M-RAD capabilities. The Northern and Southern Infantry Regiments will each have a maneuver company equipped with IFVs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Plani Afatgjatë i Zhvillimit të Forcave të Armatosura të Republikës së Shqipërisë (PAZH 2024–2033) |url=https://www.mod.gov.al/index.php/politikat-e-sigurise-2/dokumente-strategjike/55-strategjia-kombetare-e-mbrojtjes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120164935/https://www.mod.gov.al/index.php/politikat-e-sigurise-2/dokumente-strategjike/55-strategjia-kombetare-e-mbrojtjes |archive-date=November 20, 2024 |access-date=November 20, 2024}}</ref>

====Naval Forces====
In 2007, was signed a contracts with the [[Damen Group]] for the or completing of the Albanian Naval Forces with Patrol vessels to be used to perform a number of tasks and duties, including coastal patrols, search and rescue, control and monitoring of maritime traffic, marine environment protection. The contract envisaged the construction of 4 vessels of the [[Damen Stan 4207]] class, which the first of them would be built in [[Netherlands]] and 3 others in the [[Pasha Liman Base|Pasha Liman]] naval base in Albania. The first patrol vessel, named [[Albanian patrol vessel Iliria (P 131)|Iliria P-132]], was built and delivered to the Albanian Coast Guard in August 2008. Enabling thus the following construction of 3 other patrol vessels in Pasha Liman Base by Albanian carpenters assisted by the experts of Damen Group. The second patrol vessel [[Albanian patrol vessel Oriku (P 132)|Oriku P-133]] will be commissioned in September 2011, the third ship, [[Albanian patrol vessel Lisus (P 133)|Lisus P-133]], will be operational in 2012 and fourth [[Albanian patrol vessel Butrinti (P 134)|Butrint P-134]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=The new ship "Oriku"|url=http://www.mod.gov.al/arkiv/images/mbrojtja/pdf/mbrojtja_nr_8.pdf|work=Revista Mbrojtja|agency=QKMBM|publisher=Ministry of Defense|date=September 2011|pages=3–7|access-date=2017-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823162329/http://www.mod.gov.al/arkiv/images/mbrojtja/pdf/mbrojtja_nr_8.pdf|archive-date=2017-08-23|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The first ship was built at Pasha Liman|url=http://www.mod.gov.al/arkiv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=853:prodhohet-anija-e-pare-ne-pasha-liman&catid=179&Itemid=552|website=www.mod.gov.al|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=2017-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823163115/http://www.mod.gov.al/arkiv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=853:prodhohet-anija-e-pare-ne-pasha-liman&catid=179&Itemid=552|archive-date=2017-08-23|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title="Butrinti" ceremonial ship launching|url=http://mbrojtja.gov.al/index.php/newsroom/334-nje-anije-e-re-i-shtohet-forces-sone-detare|website=www.mbrojtja.gov.al|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=2017-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823162533/http://mbrojtja.gov.al/index.php/newsroom/334-nje-anije-e-re-i-shtohet-forces-sone-detare|archive-date=2017-08-23|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Update inline|date=October 2021}}