Today marks 74th anniversary of the establishment of the Albanian Air Force

The Albanian Air Force is one of three Albanian Armed Forces' weapons.

It is made up of FAI Command and Staff, Farka Air Base, Kuchova Air Base, Air Observation Center, Military Meteorological Service and the FAI Support Company.

The Albanian state made numerous efforts to create the weapon of combat aviation, but for political reasons this was not achieved until after World War II.

In 1945 a group of former Partisans began preparing for fighter pilots at the Yugoslav aviation school.

This group was made up of Niko Hoxha, Edip Ohrid, Fahri Bubazi, Pertef Myftari, Ibis Vokshi, Zyhdi Rada, Sazan Grelo, Irali Grazdani, Masar Ag, etc. After the breakup of relations between Albania and Yugoslavia, the group continued preparing in the Soviet Union.

The Albanian Air Force was officially established on April 24, 1951. The first planes were Soviet aircraft produced after World War II Yak-18 and were originally deployed in Lapraja on the outskirts of Albania's capital, Tirana.

A few years later, the Albanian Air Force would also be equipped with jet combat aircraft. First team with MiG-15Bs fighter jets, code of NATO Fagot) titled “Peza” was created in 1955. This team was deployed at Kucova Airport.

In later years, under military aid from the Soviet Union, the Albanian Air Force will also be equipped with MiG-17 guys fighter aircraft, code of NATO "Fresco" and MiG-19, code NATO fammer, and in the early 1970s, even MiG-21 Chinese fighter aircraft.

The warplanes that came from China had different brands from those Soviets, but in the Albanian Air Force, they were always familiar with the Soviet brand of production.

In June 1957, the first transport regiment equipped with Mi-1 (3 pieces), new Mi-4 (3 piece) helicopters, as well as several Jack-18 helic aircraft and PO-2. In 1967 this regiment expanded to capacity with the arrival of 30 Mi-4 helicopters.

In 1962 the Rinas Regiment was established with MiG-17 fighter aircraft and MiG-19 aircraft. MiG-19 combat planes were the target of this force because of their large numbers (over 70 aircraft). At the same airport, new combat planes from China were briefly deployed; F-7A-type warplanes Fishbed Cé, who were the Chinese version of the Soviet warplane MiG-21F-13. But after a while these planes (12 in number) were transferred to the newest Albanian Air Force Air Force base; that of Girdri, also known as Lezha-Zadrima.

F-7A aircraft (MIG-21F-13) were grouped in a team. Gandri's air base also had 2 team with F-6S aircraft (MIG-19) and a F-5 aircraft team (MIG-17) as well as some MiG-15 curriculums U n TI two countries.

Xhadri's air base was distinguished by two other bases from an underground tunnel built under the mountain of Gydri.

Although wet, this tunnel provided an ideal defense against enemy air strikes. In 1950-1975, the Albanian Air Force was one of the most modern air force in the region, but also in the world in terms of logistical equipment, as well as the higher preparation of its framework.

Albanian pilots were distinguished by other pilots in foreign schools in preparing combat pilots like those of Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union and China for their high professional skills.

It would not be an inflated comment if it was said that it was the Albanian Air Force that supplied China with radar technology. In 1962, the Soviet Union supplied the Albanian Air Force with 12 Miftian jets G-19 PM, code %d NATO fammer Eʹmer equipped with radar.

After breaking ties with the Soviet Union, Albania became friends with China. Chinese government made a proposal to the Albanian government to exchange Mi warplanes G-19 PM with a greater number of Chinese-made MiG-19S.

This proposal was accepted by the Albanian government and 12 MiG-19 PM was exchanged with less sophisticated aircraft of the MiG-19S option. These planes were not equipped with radars and could fly only day in weather conditions.

In 1962, the Aviation Academy was established in Vlora, which had high school status. This academy had at its disposal, curriculum for basic CJ-6 (Jak-18), jet combat aircraft MiG-15bis, and two-nation MiG-15 curriculums U n YOU.