Edi Rama unveils plan for military equipment production hub at former industrial complex

The former Tractor and Agricultural Machinery Plant in Tirana, which has been out of service for several decades, will be repurposed into a factory producing military vehicles and uniforms, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Monday. Rama dismissed opposition warnings that the project could pose safety risks to nearby residents, calling such claims “pure madness” and insisting the facility will operate under strict security standards.

Why is this important: The project is part of a broader government plan to revive Albania’s dormant military industry and develop a domestic production network for the armed forces, police, firefighting services, and potential export. The move also seeks to repurpose abandoned industrial infrastructure and stimulate the local economy.

Context: Speaking at the presentation event, Rama underlined that reactivating old military-industrial sites like the former tractor plant in Tirana — and others such as the Rubik industrial complex — is central to Albania’s strategy for military modernization and economic development.

“This is a positive development for our armed forces, our national economy, and for the local community,” Rama said. “Our aim is to build a full domestic production network to meet the needs of the military, police, and emergency services, and also to develop an export capacity.”

The prime minister ridiculed conspiracy theories suggesting the plant could become a dangerous site.

“It’s madness to say this project will create a risk for people’s lives. There will be no explosions,” Rama said, adding that the factory would not resemble past tragedies, referring to the 2008 Gërdec tragedy that took place under Berisha’s premiership in which 26 people lost their lives.

The new facility will operate in partnership with the Albanian state company KAYO and the private firm Timak, whose director Arjeta Puça joined Rama at the event. Rama emphasized that Timak already exports ambulances and fire engines to countries like Ukraine and elsewhere.

“Seeing Arjeta here, I don’t think anyone should fear explosions,” Rama said. “We are talking about producing military vehicles for the army, the police, and firefighters, not weapons or explosives.”

Political reactions: Minister of the Interior Ervin Hoxha also rejected claims that the site would pose a threat, accusing the opposition of attempting to stir fear among the local community.

“There is absolutely nothing to be concerned about. This facility will produce vehicles and uniforms, not bombs or explosives. It will be built according to the highest technical and environmental safety standards,” Hoxha said.

Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu highlighted the government’s increased investment in the defense sector over the past decade.

“In the last ten years, we have seen a tenfold increase in military investments. This has strengthened both the financial standing of our armed forces and the technical and mechanical infrastructure essential for reviving Albania’s defense industry,” Vengu said.

What’s next: Construction and reactivation efforts are expected to begin soon, with the project intended not only to serve Albania’s defense needs but also to contribute to the country’s growing ambitions in defense exports.