Lockheed Martin, the American security and aerospace company, will maintain Albania’s sea space surveillance system. The company and the ministry of defense signed a $750,000 worth contract last week in Albania.
In their announcement, the US Embassy stressed Albania’s strengthening as NATO ally:
“Today U.S. Embassy Tirana was pleased to see the Albanian Ministry of Defense enter into an agreement valued at over $750,000 with Lockheed Martin, an American global security and aerospace company, for sustainment and maintenance support to the Integrated Sea Space Surveillance System (ISSSS). This system enables Albania to become a stronger NATO ally by helping the country protect its territory.”
Earlier this week, Ambassador Yuri Kim praised Prime Minister Edi Rama’s response regarding Albania’s foreign and military policy to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. During his visit as OSCE Chair, Rama told Lavrov that far from an obligation, it was Albania’s choice to become NATO and EU member.
One of Ambassador Kim’s priorities when she got the job this year was to encourage Albania to reach its 2% of GDP defense investment pledge by 2024.
