Balkan States to Jointly Produce Shota Mine-Resistant Vehicle
Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia have agreed to jointly develop and produce the Shota mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle.
The initiative follows a defense cooperation agreement signed between the Balkan states earlier this year, which aims to reinforce local defense industries, expand regional cooperation, and cut reliance on foreign suppliers.
It also focuses on defense integration, including shared technology, training, and improved armed forces interoperability.
Kosovo’s Acting Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci confirmed that production of the Albanian-designed vehicle will expand to Kosovo’s territories as part of the arrangement, with Croatia expected to join the manufacturing effort in the future, Sarajevo Times reported.
“I can exclusively say that we have, in principle, agreed on the joint development of the vehicle ‘Shota,’” Maqedonci said, adding that discussions are ongoing to formalize the cooperation through follow-on agreements.
He stated that assembly works would be shared among the three countries, with each contributing different elements, and that the vehicle would also be available for export markets.
Sources noted that the Shota program would become the first jointly produced military vehicle involving three Balkan states.
The Shota MRAP
Developed by Tirana-based company Timak, the Shota MRAP is a 7-meter (23-foot) vehicle offered in both 4×4 and 6×6 variants.
It is built with NATO-standard armor and a V-hull underchassis that could withstand 7.62-millimeter shells, blasts from 155-millimeter artillery, and ground explosions.
The platform can transport up to 10 passengers, has a weight of 13,000 kilograms (28,660 pounds), and a fuel capacity of 310 liters (82 gallons).
It is powered by a Cummins ISBE 275 or ISLE 350 engine for a range of 100 kilometers (62 miles). Details on its top speed are still limited.
