Albania is set to strengthen its military capabilities and expand local weapons manufacturing through a new partnership with Israeli defense company Elbit Systems. Under the deal, Elbit will provide 155mm ATMOS truck-mounted howitzers, 120mm SPEAR mortar systems, and two drone types—the Magni-X and Thor. The company will also help Albania establish domestic production lines.
The Magni-X is a lightweight quadcopter able to carry 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) for up to an hour, even under GPS-denied conditions. The heavier Thor drone weighs 15 kilograms (33 pounds), can deploy small munitions, and flies for roughly 70 minutes without payload. Albania will receive 10 drones initially, followed by the setup of a production facility in the country’s northern region.
Several nations have supported Albania’s defense modernization. The US has delivered armored vehicles, small arms, and training while also offering financial and advisory support to help the country align with NATO standards. European allies have contributed as well—Italy has donated patrol vessels and naval systems, Germany has supplied communications and logistical equipment, and Turkey has reportedly provided drones and training for mechanized infantry units.
