Explosive Revival: Albania's Bold Move to Court NATO Investors for Soviet-Era Munitions Plants Sends Shockwaves Through Defense Industry.

In the midst of armed tensions in Europe and the Middle East, the government of Albania intends to reactivate its three dormant weapon and ammunition production facilities, according to Defense Minister Niko Peleshi. In order to enable the businesses to introduce new items, the ministry hopes to draw in international investors.

“The goal of revitalization will be to foster creativity. At the Albanian parliament on April 17, the official stated, “We no longer pretend that the industry will be developed by the state, but by attracting investors from NATO.”

Italian air force Typhoon fighter jets land at the newly refurbished NATO-backed airbase in the Albanian city of Kucova, 90 kilometers south of the capital Tirana

With this development, the Albanian government is joining a growing number of European countries who have intensified efforts to ramp up ammunition production in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Peleshi said that the Defense Ministry has already kicked off work on the project to revive the three factories, collaborating with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. Tirana aims to determine the necessary investment values and the demand for their potential products, according to the official.

Albania halted manufacturing of arms and ammunition at the plants following the collapse of its communist regime and the country’s transformation into a market economy. The production facilities were built in the 1960s, and are located in Poliçan, Elbasan and Gramsh. The latter two factories have been transformed into weapon demilitarization facilities, while the plant in Poliçan was completely shut down.

Albania joined NATO together with Croatia in April 2009.