Albania

Republic of Albania

An independent state since the end of the Second World War, Albania was an ally of the Soviet Union for many years and a member of the Warsaw Pact. From 1946 until 1992 the country was a Socialist Republic, militarily influenced by the Soviets until 1960, and by Communist China into the early 1990s. Since 1992, the nation has embraced democratic government and is now known as the Republic of Albania (Republika e Shqipërisë). The country is today a member of NATO and has in recent years participated in numerous EU and UN-sponsored peacekeeping operations.

The Albanian Armed Forces are known as Forcat e Armatosura të Republikës së Shqipërisë or FARSH, and consist the Land Force, Naval Force, Air Force, and the Military Police (or Policia Ushtarake). In addition, the Komanda Mbështetëse or Support Command, provides key support elements including transportation, medical services, supply, maintenance, and additional essentials to the combat branches of the armed forces.

Another government agency employing camouflage uniforms for some of its personnel is the Albanian Ministry of Interior Affairs (Ministria e Punëve të Brendshme), which includes the State Police (Policia e Shtetit).

Camouflage Uniforms of Albania

• The earliest documented camouflage pattern worn by the Albanian military was original Soviet-made M1944 TTsMKK tricolor, the use of which can be traced at least back to 1951. Uniforms in the overlapping stairstep pattern of dark green and foliage green on a yellow-tan base were later produced locally, with surviving samples having appropriate Albanian nomenclature. Lowered production standards and inconsistent dye lots have resulted in several color variations in which the greens have a more olive tone and the background is more tan and less yellow. It is believed the pattern continued to be worn by engineer/sapper units well into the 1990s.

• Several "spot" or "blotch" type camouflage designs emerged in Albania during the late 1960s or 1970s. The origin of these designs remains uncertain, but could be connected to the Soviet Union. These spotted patterns consist variously of large, bright green or olive green blobs interspersed with smaller, medium brown or russet shapes (some of which are printed over the green), all on a yellowish-tan background. These designs were used by reconnaissance and special operations personnel, as well as engineer/sapper units.

• A four-color "spot" or "duck hunter" design utilizing a completely different set of print screens dates to the 1980s or thereabouts. This pattern consists of green, reddish-brown, and medium brown shapes on an almost orange-tinted background. There appears to be very little photographic evidence of what units may have worn the coveralls made in this pattern, but it stands to reason they would have continued in use with reconnaissance and special operations troops.

• One of Albania's earliest participations as an international peacekeeper was in Bosnia as part of the IFOR in 1996. Photographs show the Albanian contingent wearing German Army flecktarn camouflage uniforms, including wet weather gear.

• This unique vertical stripe camouflage pattern was introduced in 1996. The design consists of thick brown, green & olive vertical stripes on pale green background, and is of undetermined origin. Sadly the pattern was never adopted and is considered experimental.

• Albania's long-standing relationship with China has influenced its choice of military equipment as well as uniforms. The standard woodland-derivative pattern of the PLA has been documented in use by the Albanian Armed Forces since 1995-96, although the uniforms are uniquely tailored. Early uniforms appear to have been produced from the same fabric manufactured for the PLA, but later variations have heavier fabric (probably locally produced) with darker colors but printed using the same drawings. There is considerable variation in the dyes used to print this pattern. Although influenced by the original US woodland pattern, it should be noted that the Chinese version incorporates a completely different set of shapes or "drawings" used in the screenprinting process.

• Albania has also apparently received considerable recent military aid from the United States, including surplus US m81 woodland camouflage BDUs. Variations of the m81 pattern, locally-produced and some also possibly Turkish in origin, have also been documented. These continued to be in standard service with the Albanian Army until the early 2000s.

• Another camouflage design from the mid-1990s that is often seen among Albanian troops is a "brown leaf" pattern, probably copied from a Turkish design. Uniforms in this pattern have been documented both in a local-style and a more typical BDU cut, with the coloration varying slightly as fabrics are no doubt sourced from different textile mills.

• Albanian Special Forces began wearing US tricolor desert pattern camouflage uniforms while serving alongside American special operations personnel in Afghanistan. Although initially provided with surplus US military issue DCUs, production later switched to local factories. Locally produced tricolor desert is essentially copied from the original design, although there is some slight variation in the dye colors used, as well as the fiber content of the fabric itself.

• Prior to 2008, some Albanian personnel deploying on peacekeeping operations in places like Chad were issued French Daguet three-color desert uniforms.

• Albanian personnel that have deployed to Afghanistan have worn a copy of Multicam. These included both Special Forces personnel, as well as members of the National Police.

• This unique camouflage design is now being fielded by the Armed Forces of Albania, having first appeared in November of 2012 during the 100th anniversary of the Albanian state. Although there are obvious color similarities to German flecktarn pattern, the design itself bears little resemblance up close, and is, in fact, partially based around pixelated drawings, while also incorporating larger, more organic shapes. This blending of pixelation with organic shapes remains uncommon.

• A variation of this pattern was introduced in 2012, reputedly intended initially for operations in winter/snow conditions, although also considered for desert operations. This desert-snow pattern was issued strictly to the Army Commando Regiment. Early runs of the pattern were printed on a twill-like fabric with ripstop texture, while later runs are more akin to enhanced ripstop as found in other countries. This camouflage design is no longer being produced, and was retired circa 2019-2020.

• Within the Albanian State Police, the Forzat e Nderhyrjes se Shpejte (FNSH) - also known as "the Eagles" - are reaction groups similar to Police SWAT units. One unit is assigned to each of the eleven state prefectures. In high visibility situations, members of these groups wear a design based on woodland drawings, but having a bright blue colorway.

• Another elite organization of the Ministry of the Interior is the Reparti i Eleminimit dhe Neutralizimit te Elementit te Armatosur (Department of Neutralization of Armed Elements) or RENEA - also called Unit 88. Trained by Germany's GSG-9, this unit is primarily tasked with counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations. Members of the unit wear a variety of camouflage designs, depending on their particular assignment, including copies of US woodland, tricolor desert and Multicam.