Albania has formed important alliances with Israel, and the Armed Forces of Tirana will be equipped with advanced Israeli technology weapon systems.
As reported by Israeli media in recent days, Albania has purchased a package that includes ATMOS 2000 artillery systems, heavy SPEAR Mk.2 mortars, and Magni-X and Thor remote piloted aircrafts.
This purchase involves an agreement between Elbit Systems and KAYO, the Albanian state-controlled industry, aimed at promoting the development of the military industry in Albania.
About a dozen Magni-X and Thor drones will be provided, and Albanian industrial participation in the setup of the self-propelled ATMOS 2000 of 155 mm and the SPEAR Mk.2 mortars of 120 mm is expected.
ATMOS-2000 Self-Propelled Guns
The ATMOS truck-mounted howitzer 155 mm/52 caliber offers exceptional firepower, mobility, and fast response times. Recognized with the NATO Stock Number (NSN), ATMOS complies with the highest international standards in terms of interoperability, logistics, and operational readiness.
Designed to provide fire support for a wide range of missions, ATMOS seamlessly integrates with customers’ existing C4I systems and offers integrated functionality for the use of precision-guided ammunition. An integrated electronic suite allows for automatic positioning and loading, accurate navigation, and autonomous operation.
Spear Mk.2 Mortars
The Elbit Systems SPEAR is a low-recoil 120 mm mortar, fully autonomous mounted on vehicles, for high mobility platforms.
SPEAR provides effective fire support by combining the flexibility and effectiveness of precise firepower with exceptional tactical mobility.
The mortar is a derivative of the proven CARDOM mortar system, widely used in over 1,000 cases by the US Army, NATO, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), and other operators.
Micro UAS Magni-X and Mini UAS Thor
The Magni-X VTOL micro-UAS (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) is a completely autonomous military multirotor platform, developed by Elbit Systems to provide the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) with the most advanced short-range observation system.
Magni-X is specifically designed for short-range reconnaissance (SRR) and urban use, providing daytime and nighttime intelligence images based on advanced artificial intelligence algorithms for tactical combat units.
In turn, the Thor, also from Elbit Systems, is a mini UAS VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) tactical, completely autonomous military platform designed for a wide range of military operational applications and reconnaissance missions.
The robust platform is foldable and storable in a backpack, for easy deployment in less than two minutes. The UAS can carry up to 10 kg of useful load virtually anywhere and in a wide range of weather and terrain conditions. Equipped with automatic take-off and landing capabilities and autonomous mission flights, THOR is suitable for operations in urban areas and marine zones.
Photo credit @Elbit Systems
