Albania Sends 17 Troops and a Helicopter to KFOR; Mission Runs Through 2029

Albania’s Armed Forces will take part with personnel and a helicopter in the international military operation “KFOR” in Kosovo. The decision has been published in the Official Gazette and sets out the details of Albania’s engagement in the international mission. Under the decision, Albania will contribute 17 troops and one helicopter to KFOR.

The personnel and the helicopter will be stationed at Camp Bondsteel in Ferizaj, Kosovo. The Albanian contingent’s mission will be to provide air support to KFOR forces during terrain reconnaissance, surveillance and patrol tasks.

The helicopter will also be used for CASEVAC (medical evacuation), SAR (search and rescue), VIP and troop transport, as well as supporting the population in civil emergencies, in line with KFOR’s plans and agreements with the Republic of Kosovo.

Under the decision, the mission will run until December 31, 2029. Military personnel will serve in the mission on a rotation system of up to three months per contingent, while the helicopter will rotate every six months. These periods are extended by the days needed for handover with the succeeding contingent.

The Ministry of Defense will cover the costs for the participating troops. Under the decision, they will receive a daily allowance of 12,000 lekë for each day in the mission, in addition to their monthly salary. Costs covered by the Ministry of Defense also include accommodation, food, laundry, life insurance, health insurance outside the area of operation, health support, telephone, internet and postal expenses, transport, and other costs related to the smooth running of the operation.