TIRANA, January 26 – Defence Minister Pirro Vengu said Albania is preparing a strategic review of national defence. He linked the process to a changing security environment and growing regional uncertainty.

According to the minister, questions over alliances, industry, and state capacity highlight the need for broader security planning. He pointed to civil defence, cyber defence, critical infrastructure, production capacity, and strategic communication as core elements of national security.

In this context, Vengu said Albania is consolidating its defence policy. He made the remarks during a media conference.

Meanwhile, the 2026 defence budget plays a key role in building real capabilities. The minister said it supports defence industry development, digital sovereignty, and Albania’s role as a stable ally of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The budget reaches 2.12 percent of gross domestic product in 2026. Compared with 2025, it marks a 12 percent increase. He said the figures reflect a clear government commitment amid a complex geopolitical situation.

Human capital stands at the centre of the budget effort. Vengu said personnel remain the foundation of any modern military.

As a result, salary growth for Armed Forces personnel remains a top priority. The minister said Albania will continue a long-term wage policy. By 2029, military salaries aim to reach the average level of North Atlantic Treaty Organization member states.

The plan foresees a progressive increase of 60 to 70 percent for base salaries. It also includes a 30 percent rise for higher command levels.

At the same time, the ministry plans to expand the active force by 30 percent. Vengu said the goal is to build a more professional and operational military structure.

Recruitment figures already reflect this trend. Last year, 721 new soldiers joined the Armed Forces. He said the numbers show growing interest among young people.

Education also remains a strategic focus. The Armed Forces Academy now serves as a central pillar of defence policy.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, 1,634 candidates applied for 80 available places. According to the minister, the demand confirms the academy’s reputation.

Infrastructure investment will continue this year. Authorities will inaugurate the first phase of the academy campus in Tufina. A second construction phase will follow.

In addition, cooperation with universities is expanding. Joint master’s programmes now cover armament engineering, aviation, and naval engineering.

New initiatives also include scientific master’s degrees and doctoral programmes in defence-related fields. Vengu said these efforts strengthen institutional capacity and expertise.

Looking ahead, the government plans legal reforms in 2026. The minister said changes to the military status law will promote meritocracy and career stability.

The reform package also includes the reserve component. At the same time, authorities have started reintegrating former service members.

Vengu also addressed emerging security threats. He said modern risks now include disinformation, cyber attacks, and hybrid interference.

For this reason, civil protection, cyber security, critical infrastructure, and strategic communication form part of national defence planning. Albania is preparing the strategic defence review accordingly.

On institutional coordination, cooperation with Italy will continue. Albania plans to adopt the Italian emergency number 112 model.

The system will create a single national emergency number. A central operational room will coordinate law enforcement and disaster response agencies.

Naval capabilities also remain on the agenda. In cooperation with the Italian company Fincantieri, Albania plans to build three vessels at the Pashaliman naval base.

The Albanian state will invest in shipyard infrastructure. The Italian partner will provide technology, expertise, workforce, and industrial capacity.

Under the medium-term Armed Forces plan, two warships and one dual-use civil-military logistics vessel are foreseen. Vengu said the projects will strengthen national defence capacity.

/a.p./