Albania expands military production before summit

Albania is heavily investing in a modern defense industry ahead of hosting the 2027 NATO summit.

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu announced that military spending will increase to 2.6 percent of gross domestic product this year.

The government has already funded a 13-million-euro textile factory creating 800 jobs, while partnering with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build naval vessels.

Officials say the industrial push will boost domestic economic growth and transform Albania into a regional defense hub for its allies.