Albania will spend more on defence in 2027, with investments including the purchase of drones, aircraft, new weapons and air defence systems. The Ministry of Defence’s draft budget foresees 76 billion and 284 million lekë, or 7.5 billion lekë more than in 2026. The figures were presented by Defence Minister Ermal Nufi to the Parliamentary Committee on Internal and Defence Affairs. According to him, the budget for the coming year represents 2.6% of Gross Domestic Product and aims to modernise the Armed Forces, as well as to fulfil Albania’s commitments to NATO.
Of the total fund, 43.6 billion lekë, or 57.2%, is foreseen for investments and capital expenditure, while 32.6 billion lekë will be used for current expenditure. Around 23.1 billion lekë will go solely to the modernisation of the Armed Forces. The procurement list includes light weapons, drones, fixed-wing aircraft, counter-drone systems and air defence equipment. The investments also foresee the development of an integrated system for monitoring the airspace, as well as the modernisation of transport vehicles and communication and information systems at the NATO base in Kuçova.
Another fund of 5.9 billion lekë is planned for military infrastructure. Among the projects are the construction of the military part of the new port in Porto Romano, the revitalisation of the Pashalimani Base, the reconstruction of the Military Hospital and the construction of hangars for the Aviation School. This package also includes supporting infrastructure for Corridor VIII, the construction of accommodation facilities at the Armed Forces Academy and investments for coping with civil emergencies and natural disasters. Minister Nufi stressed that the funds have been planned in line with the needs of the Armed Forces and long-term defence objectives. Part of them will be used to equip the Land Forces with new weapons suitable for joint operations with NATO allies.
The draft budget also foresees measures to improve the treatment of military personnel, career development and increasing training capacities, as well as strengthening transparency and the fight against corruption in the Armed Forces. According to the minister, Albania will continue its commitments in NATO operations and missions, while maintaining capabilities on standby for national defence, crisis response and civil emergencies. Defence spending is expected to rise also over the following three years, by approximately 1 billion lekë additional each year.