Timak Defence receives 9.6 million euro Albanian government contract

Questions have been raised regarding the transparency of a 9.6 million euro contract awarded by the Albanian Ministry of the Interior to Timak Defence. The contract, dated August 6, 2026, is intended for the purchase of vehicles for the National Inspectorate of Territorial Protection (IKMT).

The timing of the deal has drawn scrutiny, as it occurred just days after Prime Minister Edi Rama participated in a ceremony on July 31 to present 40 tactical vehicles from the same company to the Armed Forces. These vehicles were promoted as ‘Made in Albania’ with NATO standards, though critics argue the process involves assembling tactical superstructures onto existing international chassis, such as Toyota Land Cruiser or MAN trucks, rather than full domestic manufacturing.

Timak Defence is a joint venture where the state-owned company KAYO holds a 20% stake, with the remaining shares held by founders including Arjeta Puca and foreign investor Ron Yeffet. Reports suggest potential irregularities in the documentation, noting that an invoice was allegedly signed on August 8, prior to the official order and contract dates.