The Turkish “kimberilikia” in the Albanian army continue – Turks and Azerbaijanis in joint air exercises
Turkey donated 40 vehicles (Fiat EGEA) as well as buses to the Armed Forces of Albania, increasing the list of weapon systems and military equipment in general that it has donated to this country.
The list of Turkish “gifts” to the Albanians, ranging from automatic rifles, mortars, clothing, to all-terrain vehicles, Jeeps, and most importantly information, goes back to at least 2006, when the Turks sent 9 wagons full of material with train from Bulgaria and Skopje.
The Albanians have also been supplied with KNT-308 sniper rifles, M72 LAW light anti-tank guns, armored vehicles, 40 mm grenade launchers, .50” machine guns and Cobra vehicles.
The country’s Navy was completely renewed by Turkey, which has also created a submarine base in Durres. These include Pasalimani and the military base at Orikum, which have been completely rebuilt with surface radar and other infrastructure.
Yesterday’s donation ceremony was attended by Albanian Minister of Defense Niko Pelesi, who expressed his thanks on behalf of the Albanian government to the Turkish side for the continuous support provided to the Armed Forces for their modernization and increase in operational capabilities.
“This assistance is much more than a contribution to the modernization and development of the Albanian Armed Forces, mobility and operational capabilities. It is a symbol of an enduring foundational relationship cultivated throughout the years of our modern history. And today, our troops cooperate, train and train together,” Albanian Minister Peleshi said during his speech.
He also said that a large number of Albanian students have graduated from Turkish military schools, calling this a strong pillar of cooperation between the two countries since 1992.
Sakaq also appreciated the assistance given in emergency situations, mainly through economic agreements and military grants, mentioning here the signing of two military economic cooperation agreements between the two defense ministries of the two countries.
For his part, the ambassador of Turkey in Tirana, Tayyar Kağan Atay, said: “We see Albania as a key country for the stability and security of the Balkans and Europe. We have supported Albania’s efforts in the process of joining the EU and sincerely wish to see it as a new member of the Union at the end of the process.”
Albania is a country in which Turkey has invested both time and money in order for the latter to belong to its sphere of influence.
The term “Turkish arc in the Balkans” is neither new nor unknown and shows Turkey’s attempt to strategically surround Greece. The issue from a military and strategic point of view is extremely important for Greece, which should not under any circumstances, if conducts military operations in the Aegean, to face threats in the Ionian Sea as well as in the North.
Turkey is moving diplomatically and militarily towards Bosnia-Herzegovina with which it maintains very good relations, something it is trying to do with Serbia as well. the Turks, as a counterweight to our alliances there, are trying to surround us from “above”.
Azerbaijan and Turkey will also conduct joint air exercises in the Aegean
Azerbaijani warplanes will be stationed in Turkey, where they will conduct joint exercises with the Turkish Air Force, with the exercise The date of the TurAz Eagle-2022 exercise has been announced.
The aircraft of the two countries will carry out missions, concerning the destruction of air defense systems and strategic military targets of the “enemy”, while they will also carry out dogfights at close range and other air cooperation.
The main objective of the exercises carried out with the participation of Azerbaijani and Turkish soldiers is to improve the interoperability between the units of the armies of the two countries during military operations, to develop military skills and decision-making of Commanders on the battlefield (issuance of field orders combat), as well as their ability to control Command of military units.
From the above, we conclude that Greece, in the event of a military confrontation with Turkey, should count Azerbaijan as a potential opponent, especially the air force and the Special Forces of this country.
