The 75th anniversary of the creation of the Air Force is celebrated

2026-04-30 18:35:00, Aktualitet CNA

At the NATO tactical air base in Kuçova, the ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Albanian Military Aviation took place.

This jubilee ceremony was attended by President of the Republic Bajram Begaj, Minister of Defense, Ermal Nufi, Minister of Internal Affairs, Besfort Lamallari, Minister of Local Government, Ervin Demo, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, senior leaders of the Armed Forces, representatives from the Aviation Veterans Association, family members of the Homeland Martyrs, etc.

The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, during his welcoming speech, assessed that the transformation of the Air Force would not have been possible without the support of allies, emphasizing the strategic partnership with the United States of America.

Speaking about the modernization of the Air Force, President Begaj described the plan as ambitious and necessary.

" The Air Force modernization plan is ambitious and necessary. The modernization of the helicopter fleet, the development of ground-based air defense capacities, GBAD, the establishment of the Unmanned Aircraft Detachment, the completion of the integrated air surveillance system and the transformation of the base as a NATO Tactical Air Base are investments with which we have opened a new chapter, a chapter where the Air Force is not only a guarantor of sovereignty, but is also an active contributor to collective security ," said Begaj.

Minister of Defense, Nufi spoke about an important investment by the Albanian government, the reopening of the Aviation School in Vlora after two decades. The Aviation School will prepare military and civilian pilots, as well as air traffic controllers, preserving the tradition of military aviation in the country.

" The reestablishment of the Aviation School is a necessary step to guarantee the continuity of tradition and the preparation of new generations of pilots and specialists ," said Minister Nufi.

Further, Minister of Defense Nufi stated that the modernization of existing capacities is a strategic priority, directly related to national security, underlining that work is being done to improve radar systems and strengthen air defense. According to the minister, the Kuçova tactical air base remains a key strategic point for Albania and for the Alliance itself, which increases Albania's role in the region.

" Capacity modernization is precisely the investment in tools, technology, and systems that are essential to increasing readiness and interoperability with our allies."

The development of new capacities, especially unmanned vehicles, the modernization of radar systems, the strengthening of air defense, as very important and crucial elements for today's security reality. And finally, the consolidation of strategic assets, such as the Kuçova air base, where we have chosen today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Air Force, which is not only an Albanian national asset, but is also an asset for the entire NATO Military Alliance, a contributor to peace and an indicator of military strength ", said Minister Nufi.

Focusing on the stages of the history of the Air Force's transformation, Minister of Defense Nufi praised the contribution of the pilots, technicians and specialists who have served in the service of the Homeland.

On April 24, 1951, it became possible to carry out the first flight in the Airspace of the Republic of Albania, which also marked the official date of the creation of the Albanian Combat Aviation. In this historic event, the talented pilot Peço Polena, carried out the first flight with the JAK-9P aircraft, assembled by Albanian specialists.

On this same day, the first formation for this weapon was created and was called the First Aviation Fighter Squadron, with pilot commander Babaçe Faiku, complete with 12 Yak-9 aircraft and deployed at the Lapraka airfield in Tirana.