Albania Puts Bayraktar TB2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Into Service at The Opening Ceremony of The NATO Tactical Air Base
On March 2, three Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles were delivered to Albania, and following assembly, they were officially put into service with the Albanian Armed Forces on March 4. The entry into service of the new new unmanned systems coincided with the opening of NATO’s first tactical air base in Albania. During the opening ceremony of the NATO Tactical Air Base in Kuçovo, Bayraktar TB2s flew for the first time over Albanian skies. Bayraktars’ initial flight was accompanied by Eurofighter F-2000 and F-16 aircraft, as well as two Black Hawk helicopters.
Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar stated on his X account that the opening of the NATO Tactical Air Base and the delivery of Bayraktar TB2s is a historic day for Albania, saying: “The first NATO Tactical Air Base in Albania has been opened. The opening of Kuçova Air Base is the beginning of a new era for the security of the Balkans and Europe. With this ceremony, Bayraktar TB2 UAVs entered the inventory of the Albanian Army. Thus, an aircraft meeting NATO standards was added to the Albanian Army’s inventory for the first time. With the visionary leadership of the esteemed Prime Minister Edi Rama and the strong cooperation of the esteemed Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi, Bayraktar TB2s successfully made their first flights in the skies of Albania today. The deployment of our Bayraktar TB2 UAVs at this strategic point is an important indicator of our contribution to the security of Albania and the sister Balkan geography. As Baykar Technology, we will continue to contribute to regional and global security with our innovative technologies.”
Albanian Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi stated, “Bayraktar drones, known for their efficiency and advanced technology, are now in Albania! This development not only enhances Albania’s defense capabilities but also serves as evidence of the country’s commitment to ensuring national security and meeting the highest standards of defense. This achievement is a symbol of our dedication to modernization and innovation in our Armed Forces.”
This delivery is part of a contract signed by Albania and Baykar Defense in December 2022. In addition to the delivery of three TB2s, the contract includes the training of more than 30 people who will be chosen with the assistance of the Baykar company to perform the maintenance and control center functions of these drones. However, the contract’s cost and whether it includes additional orders remain unknown.
The Bayraktars, who will be stationed at the recently opened NATO Tactical Air Base in Kuçovo, will primarily be utilized to combat the illegal drug trade, monitor areas related to illegal construction, combat forest fires, and track wanted individuals, according to Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania. But in cases where national security is at risk, they will also be able to carry out fully armed combat missions, according to Rama.