The Albanian army will be equipped with multifunctional light vehicles, 28 million euros funding from the EU
The Albanian army will be equipped for the first time with multi-functional light vehicles ‘LMV2’, produced by Iveco Defence Vehicles, the military division of the Italian company Iveco.
The purchase of military vehicles will be financed by the European Union through the European Peace Fund, while the implementation has been taken over by the Italian Agency for Defence Industries.
The Albanian Ministry of Defence announced that the European Union, through the European Peace Facility, established in March 2021 and aimed at strengthening the defence capacities of partner countries as well as increasing regional and global security, has supported Albania with two aid packages worth a total of 28 million euros.
The approved projects will support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania. The first aid package, approved in July 2024, foresees the provision of light armored vehicles (about 20 of them) worth 13 million euros.
Meanwhile, the second package, recently approved, worth 15 million euros, will equip the Armed Forces with multi-functional transport and engineering vehicles, for dual use in supporting EU operations as well as addressing civil emergencies in the country and region. This entire process, from a budgetary, procurement, and procedural perspective, is directed and monitored by EU structures.
The new assistance reflects the progress of the strategic relations between the EU and Albania, consolidated after the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership in December 2024 and the launch of the first Security and Defence Dialogue in April 2025. It also values Albania’s role as a close and stable partner of the EU in foreign and security policy, as a contributor to EU operations and simultaneously as a NATO ally.
The first vehicles are expected to arrive in Albania during 2026.
LMV2 represents the latest generation of the successful LMV model, already widely used by NATO armies.
This version brings enhanced ballistic and mine protection, a powerful 220 horsepower engine with an automatic transmission with 8 speeds, as well as improved suspension and wheel systems to adapt to difficult terrains.
The modular cabin offers multiple configurations, from troop transport to uses as an ambulance or command center. In addition, the LMV2 is equipped with modern communication, navigation, and battlefield management technology, ensuring a combination of high mobility and advanced protection.
This model, already tested in international missions including Afghanistan, has replaced the first LMV in the armies of several European countries such as Italy, the United Kingdom, and Norway. Its improvements guarantee greater survivability for the crew and high adaptability to various operational scenarios.
For Albania, the LMV2 represents a qualitative leap in the modernization of military capabilities, especially compared to the current fleet of vehicles, such as the American Humvee or the few MRAP vehicles.
This development places the country on the same level as its neighbors, such as North Macedonia and Montenegro, which have already invested in similar modern platforms.
Strategically, the supply of LMV2 not only increases the readiness and operational capabilities of the Armed Forces but also strengthens Albania’s partnership with NATO, the EU, and Italy, contributing to the security and stability of the Balkan region. (August 22)
