Albania is set to receive a significant number of kamikaze drones from Turkey, as announced by Prime Minister Edi Rama during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit. This acquisition aims to enhance Albania’s military capabilities amidst regional security concerns following the conflict in Ukraine. The visit also included the inauguration of a major Turkish-funded mosque in Tirana and discussions to boost bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to provide a significant quantity of kamikaze drones to Albania, although specific details regarding the type and number of drones were not disclosed. During a joint press conference held in Tirana, Rama emphasized that this initiative symbolizes Turkey’s commitment to Albania’s security, stating, “It is a present that comes as a strong message from the Republic of Turkey that Albania is unhittable.” The kamikaze drone, classified as a loitering munition, operates by hovering over a target before descending rapidly to detonate upon impact. Rama clarified that the procurement of these drones does not imply Albania’s intent to engage in aggressive actions against other nations. The recent acquisition comes as many countries in the Western Balkans, including Albania, focus on modernizing their military capabilities in light of geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both Albania and Turkey are NATO allies, and Tirana has already incorporated the use of Turkish-manufactured Bayraktar reconnaissance and attack drones into its defense infrastructure. Erdogan’s visit to Albania was also marked by the inauguration of the Namazgah mosque, a significant Turkish-funded project characterized by its 50-meter-high minarets, which is among the largest mosques in the Balkans. The Turkish president’s trip aimed to enhance bilateral relations and discuss regional challenges, culminating in agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in agriculture and education. Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s role as a crucial investor in Albania, calling for aspirations to double trade between the two nations to €2 billion annually. In commentary on broader regional issues, Erdogan criticized the Israeli actions against Hamas in Gaza, labeling them a “genocide,” and insisted on the necessity for a ceasefire to enable humanitarian aid. Conversely, Rama advocated for peaceful resolution while denouncing all forms of terrorism, including actions by Hamas, stating, “Hamas and any other source of terror have no place in a peaceful future of two sovereign states, Israel and Palestine.” The Namazgah mosque, constructed with investment from the Turkish Muslim organization Diyanet amounting to €30 million, features a central dome of 30 meters and can accommodate 8,000 individuals. Despite being completed over a year prior, the inauguration was postponed due to Turkish concerns regarding potential influences from groups associated with the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), believed to have been implicated in the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey. To assure Turkish oversight, Diyanet will hold a seat on the mosque’s governing board. In Albania, Sunni Muslims represent nearly 46% of the population, accompanied by Bektashi Muslims at 5%, Catholics at 8%, and Orthodox Christians at 7%. Importantly, these religious communities engage in peaceful coexistence without notable tensions, reflecting a tradition of religious harmony in the region.
The recent announcement regarding the acquisition of kamikaze drones from Turkey to Albania can be contextualized within the evolving security landscape of the Western Balkans. Following heightened tensions due to Russia’s military engagements in Ukraine, countries in this region are increasingly focused on modernizing and strengthening their military capabilities. The introduction of drones, especially loitering munitions like the kamikaze drone, signifies Albania’s strategy to enhance its defense apparatus. This collaboration between Albania and Turkey is further bolstered by their shared NATO membership and Turkey’s historical role as a strategic partner and investor in Albania, particularly in infrastructure and military sectors.
The collaborative defense agreement between Turkey and Albania to procure kamikaze drones underscores a significant step in enhancing Albania’s military readiness in the context of regional security concerns. Furthermore, the visit of President Erdogan serves not only to fortify military ties but also to strengthen economic cooperation and cultural connections, exemplified by the inauguration of the Namazgah mosque. The juxtaposition of military modernization efforts alongside calls for peaceful resolutions in regional conflicts speaks to Albania’s commitment to balancing defense and diplomacy.
Original Source: www.ekathimerini.com
