Timak Defence payroll shows modest scale behind Albania's claimed military vehicle production

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that 40 military vehicles were produced in Albania through a partnership between the public company Kayo and the private firm Timak Defence. Timak Defence, founded on 4 August 2023 and owned 80% by Timak and 20% by Kayo, employed 14 workers. The company’s payroll for five months amounted to 5.8 million lek (about €61 000), averaging €12 000 per month, with each employee receiving roughly €860 gross. Rama stated, “Makinat janë të standardeve të NATO-s dhe po, janë prodhuar në Shqipëri!” – emphasizing NATO‑standard vehicles made in Albania. The modest payroll, comparable to a small kiosk, contrasts sharply with larger factories such as DMM Dräxlmaier Manufacturing in North Macedonia, which pays €5.8 million per month. The figures raise questions about the scale of Albania’s domestic military‑vehicle production.