Albania Today: When Neighbors Arm Themselves with Supersonic Missiles and Modern Forces, While We Remain Weak
– Strategic Analysis by Flamur Bucpapaj
In a region like the Balkans, where history, politics, and security are always intertwined, what is happening today is not just a matter of statements or diplomatic rhetoric. It is an undeniable reality: our neighbors are modernizing their military power at a pace that shifts strategic balances. Serbia, in particular, is a force that cannot be ignored; it has built a complex and modern army equipped with supersonic missiles, modernized fighter jets, S‑400 air defense systems, and a wide range of land and naval weaponry, making it a significant regional power. The numbers of active personnel and reserves, along with the arsenal, are not mere statistics—they represent real capabilities to dictate the pace of conflict in the region. Serbia has over 25,000 active soldiers and a reserve that can quickly mobilize to hundreds of thousands in case of crisis. It possesses more than 240 modern main battle tanks, over 300 armored vehicles, and artillery and missile systems including MLRS and tactical missiles, placing it at a high level of defense and offensive capacity in the Western Balkans.
Serbia’s air force is not just composed of outdated aircraft; its fleet includes around 125 active planes, including 14 modernized MiG‑29s and J‑22 Orao aircraft, Mi‑35 helicopters, and Mi‑17 transporters, all integrated with modern radar and communications systems. But what truly shifts the strategic game is the integration of CM‑400AKG supersonic missiles on MiG‑29 jets, missiles capable of speeds of Mach 3.5–5 and ranges of 250–400 km, giving Serbia the ability to strike deep strategic targets without entering enemy air defense zones.
Meanwhile, the situation of the Armed Forces of Albania is far more limited. With around 8,500 active soldiers and 19,000 reserves, along with transport and patrol aircraft, helicopters, and a small naval patrol fleet, Albania lacks autonomous capabilities to defend its airspace, intercept enemy missiles, or control its territory and waters. There are no modern combat aircraft capable of independent missions, no medium- or long-range surface-to-air missile systems to create a protective “umbrella” over critical targets, and no strong naval force to defend coasts and exclusive economic zones. Albania remains dependent on NATO protection, but this can never guarantee immediate response in sudden crises, let alone protection against supersonic missiles and modern aircraft of neighboring states.
As a military expert, I see this situation with deep concern. Serbia is not developing its army for show; it is building real capabilities to strike strategic targets and dominate the air and landspace in the region. If Albania remains in its current state, it will always be at a strategic disadvantage, trapped in a technological and operational gap that could have serious consequences for national sovereignty and security.
What must be done? Mere participation in NATO is not enough. What is required is a complete transformation of the Albanian armed forces, creating a modern military capable of independently defending Albanian airspace, territory, and waters. This means acquiring and integrating 12–16 multi-role combat aircraft, advanced short-, medium-, and long-range surface-to-air missile systems, at least 20–30 tactical supersonic missiles for strategic strikes, 100–150 intelligent drones for surveillance and patrol, a land force of 35,000–45,000 personnel equipped with modern tanks and armored vehicles, and a naval fleet with 6–8 armed patrol vessels to protect coastal and critical areas.
This transformation will not happen overnight. To reach a minimum level of parity with Serbia’s capabilities and guarantee national sovereignty and security, it will require 10–15 years of investment, increased defense budgets, intensive training, and the development of domestic industries for weapons and defensive electronic systems. This is Albania’s greatest strategic challenge today: to move from a symbolic army, dependent on allies, to a real, autonomous force capable of defending the country and its citizens in any situation.
If Albania does not undertake this transformation, it will always lag behind its neighbors technologically, operationally, and strategically, becoming a country vulnerable to real threats, where supersonic missiles and modern aircraft of its neighbors could dictate the balance of power in the region. It is time to face reality and act decisively: without a strong and modern military, words remain just words, while the reality of tomorrow’s weapons will determine our future.
