ALBANIAN AIR FORCE

ALBANIAN AIR FORCE

As of 2026, Albania has transitioned into a fully integrated NATO member with an aviation component exclusively focused on rotary-wing operations and unmanned aerial systems. The air force provides territorial defense, search and rescue (SAR), and support for international missions, particularly following the modernization of Kuçova Air Base into a NATO tactical air base.

ALBANIAN AIR FORCE • Forca Ajrore e Republikës së Shqipërisë
Personnel: ε650. Status: Operational (NATO Integrated). Strategy: Focus on tactical mobility, disaster relief, and border surveillance via rotary-wing assets and uncrewed systems. Air Element  Pilots and other aircraft crew aim to fly at least 10–15 hrs/ year.

Forces by Role & Equipment by Type
Includes Air Defence Systems

• HELICOPTER 19 active support airframes.

Tactical Transport & Multi-role:

• 2 Sikorsky S-70 / UH-60A Black Hawk (4 additional on order).
  • (Note: The first two surplus US Army Black Hawks were delivered in January 2024 to bolster tactical capacity).
• 4 Airbus AS532AL Cougar (Medium transport).
• 2 Airbus H145.
• 1 Leonardo AW109 (VIP / Light utility).

Utility & Search and Rescue (SAR):

• 4 Bolkow Bo-105.
• 3 Bell 205 (AB-205).
• 3 Bell 206 (AB-206).

• UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS)

Combat & ISR (Medium):

• Baykar Bayraktar TB2.
  • (Note: These systems provide Albania’s primary sovereign aerial surveillance and precision strike capability).

• Army Air Defence Systems
  AD • SAM HQ-2, HN-5, Stinger
  AD GUNS 125 incl 37mm: M-1939; 57mm: S-60, M-1939

Strategic Note: By 2026, Albania’s air capability is defined by its commitment to NATO standards, having retired all legacy Soviet and Chinese-origin fixed-wing combat aircraft (such as the MiG-19 and MiG-21) years prior. The current force is professionally crewed, with additional helicopter aircrew graduating as recently as 2022 to support the expanding Black Hawk fleet. While Albania does not possess an independent expeditionary capability, its airspace is policed by NATO allies Greece and Italy, allowing the Albanian Air Force to specialize in tactical rotary-wing support and modern ISR via the Bayraktar TB2.

• FACILITIES