Today, Albania celebrates the 113th anniversary of its Armed Forces, formed immediately after the country declared independence in Vlorë in 1912.

Prime Minister Edi Rama congratulated the Armed Forces on their 113th anniversary through a video posted on social media. He wrote, “113 years of Armed Force.”

On December 4, 1912, just six days after Albania declared independence, the National Army was established. For the first time in the country’s history, the Ministry of National Defense (then Ministry of War) led by Mehmet Dralla (Tetova) and the General Staff, directed by Major Ali Shefqet Shkupi, were created.

The army included active and reserve forces, volunteer units, and the Gendarmerie, totaling 12,000 personnel.

In line with Albania’s political commitments, the Armed Forces actively participate in international operations. Moreover, they engage in missions abroad under NATO, EU, UN, and allied coalitions.

On September 9, 1996, the Armed Forces began their first mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Since then, the number of troops participating in Peace Support Operations (PSO) has increased. Additionally, their operations have expanded geographically across more countries and regions.

The Armed Forces’ participation in peacekeeping and combat missions stems from their constitutional mandate and the legal framework governing each mission. From September 1996 to December 2024, Albania contributed a total of 8,998 personnel to military operations led by NATO, the EU, and the UN.

Currently, the Armed Forces operate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, South Sudan, Latvia, Bulgaria, Iraq, and the Aegean Sea. Previously, they completed peacekeeping missions in Iraq, Chad, Georgia, Mali, and participated in ISAF and RSM missions in Afghanistan.