Albania is set to make a significant leap in its defense capabilities with the announcement from local vehicle manufacturer Timak that it is building the first prototype of an armored military vehicle. Scheduled for completion next week, this development marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s nascent defense industry, positioning it to become a notable player in the global military market.

Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi shared this ambitious project on social media, highlighting the country’s drive toward innovation. In a Facebook post, Peleshi introduced Arjeta, the project lead at Timak, who is spearheading the creation of the first “Made in Albania” armored vehicle. He expressed confidence that the prototype will be successfully showcased at the Eurosatory defense and security exhibition in Paris in three weeks. Peleshi emphasized the need for Albania to overcome intellectual inferiority and embrace its potential for innovation and development.

During his visit to Timak, Peleshi shared a compelling story from Arjeta about an Albanian in Israel who was surprised to see an ambulance manufactured in Albania. This anecdote underscores the broader surprise at Albania’s burgeoning manufacturing capabilities. Peleshi concluded by stressing that Albania possesses the talent and resources to innovate and succeed, with over 4,000 PhD-holders from the diaspora ready to support the nation’s progress. He called for the country to boldly embrace innovation, confident in Albania’s potential to compete on the global stage.