In a groundbreaking milestone for Albania’s defense industry, women engineers at the Albanian company “Timak,” known for manufacturing and supplying armored ambulances and other specialized vehicles, have unveiled “Shota,” the first-ever Albanian-produced armored vehicle. This historic announcement, made public today, marks a pivotal development in the country’s defense capabilities amidst changing geopolitical dynamics in Europe and the region.

Backed by the Albanian Ministry of Defense, this ambitious project aims to reduce the nation’s dependency on foreign arms and military equipment, fostering the growth of a domestic military industry. The newly unveiled armored vehicle, named “Shota,” is classified as an MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle, designed to withstand explosive devices and ambushes.

According to Timak, the MRAP vehicle is expected to offer ballistic protection against 7.62mm caliber rounds, artillery shell fragments from up to 155mm rounds within a 60-meter range, and explosive devices of up to 8 kilograms. While the vehicle has yet to undergo testing, these trials are anticipated to commence shortly. Additionally, Timak has announced plans to collaborate with a Turkish company to further develop this armored vehicle.

“Shota” represents more than just an advancement in military technology; it is a testament to the capabilities and contributions of Albanian women in engineering and defense. This development signifies a significant step forward for Albania’s defense sector, signaling the potential for increased self-reliance in military production and a strengthened national security posture.

The unveiling of “Shota” not only highlights Albania’s growing industrial capabilities but also paves the way for future innovations and advancements led by talented Albanian engineers.