Albania appoints new naval commander, eyes modernization of fleet

January 21, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Albania has appointed Rear Admiral Arsen Mullaj as the new commander of its Naval Force, marking a key leadership change as the government moves to accelerate the modernization of the country’s maritime capabilities.

As informed, Mullaj succeeded Vice Admiral Adnand Agastra, who has completed his mandate at the head of the Naval Force.

The handover ceremony was attended by Defense Minister Pirro Vengu, who described the change of command as part of professional continuity and the strengthening of leadership within the Armed Forces.

In his address, Vengu emphasized the Albanian Government’s commitment to the recovery and modernization of the Naval Force, describing the maritime domain as a national strategic priority:

“Over more than 30 years of transition, the Naval Force has gradually diminished and has relied primarily on the professionalism of its personnel—men and women in uniform, particularly where assets, equipment, vessels, and support systems were lacking. I sincerely hope that in the months and years ahead, together with the new commander and the entire Naval Force Staff, we will enable a gradual recovery,” he said.

This remains a core priority for the Albanian government, repeatedly underscored by the prime minister and grounded in restoring Albania’s maritime role in the Adriatic–Ionian region.

Furthermore, Vengu stressed that achieving this vision requires modern assets, including warships and logistical vessels, backed by sustained investment.

He added that the government has committed both funding and a supportive legal framework to revitalize Pashaliman as a strategic shipyard for Albania’s forces and allied navies alike.

To remind, last year, Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and Kayo, an Albanian company specializing in the development of strategic industrial infrastructures, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture (JV) dedicated to the construction and maintenance of naval vessels in Albania.