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Further Reading

Forcat Ajrore - Air Forces (AF)

Air Forces have as their mission the protection of the sovereignty of the Republic of Albania's air space through air and anti-air operations (Air Defense), independently and in coordination with other Services. The Concept of Operations determines how the Air Forces are organized, equipped and trained to attain the operational readiness and rapid reaction to the tasks of defending the air space. It provides the baseline for employment of the Air Forces in carrying out their mission.

Principles of the Concept of Operations include: improving operational capabilities to ensure monitoring and control of air space; fixed air defense at key strategic points; close air support and support for the transport of troops for operations of the Armed Forces; and participation in humanitarian operations, and in national SAR operations. To carry out its missions, the following are required to be developed: Air defense with mobile systems to protect forces on the battlefield, and air defense with fixed systems to protect key strategic points in the Republic of Albania.

The control of air space from an air control center, equipped with radars covering the entire territory of the Republic of Albanian which, if necessary, will have as a task to supplement the NATO air picture. Supporting Land and Navy Forces with helicopters for transport of troops, and aircraft for surveillance equipped with tools for reconnaissance operations, and for carrying out SAR operations. Meteorological service support to the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania.

To accomplish the mission, the Air Force executes the following tasks:

• Monitoring and control of the air space of the Republic of Albania;
• Early warning of air threats;
• Reaction to air space encroachments;
• Ensuring air defense of key points in Albania.
• Close support by transport of troops and fire in support of Land Force and Navy Force combat operations.
• Conduct of humanitarian operations to assist the population, and Search and Rescue Operations.

Assistance in the framework of cooperation with NATO-member countries to carry out surveillance and air space protection tasks is of great importance to the Air Forces to accomplish their mission and specific programs of their modernization.

Air Forces are composed of: Headquarters Command and Staff; one multi-purpose helicopter regiment; an air defense brigade with fixed and mobile air defense systems; a Troop School; and other supporting units. Major bases of the Air Forces are in Rinas and Farka, and two reserve bases in Kuçova and Gjader.