The SHOTA MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected)[1] is an Albanian-made mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle made by TIMAK.[2] The vehicle is engineered for maximum safety in high-threat environments, featuring a V-hull chassis to deflect blasts and advanced armor for ballistic protection. Equipped with state-of-the-art communication and navigation systems, it ensures operational efficiency and coordination in combat zones.[1]
| SHOTA | |
|---|---|
 Timak Shota | |
| Type | Infantry mobility vehicle |
| Place of origin | Albania |
| Service history | |
| In service | Active (in service) |
| Used by | Albania,Kosovo |
| Production history | |
| Designer | TIMAK |
| Designed | 2023 (first prototype) |
| Manufacturer | TIMAK |
| Variants | 4x4 & 6x6 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 13,000 kg |
| Length | 6500 |
| Width | 2.1 m |
| Height | 2.68 m |
| Crew | 10 passengers |
| Armor | STANAG 4569 Level 3 (MRAP) a |
Main armament | 7.62×39mm API BZ at 30 meters with 695 m/s |
Secondary armament | Artillery
155 mm High Explosive at 80 m Angle: Azimuth 360°; elevation: 0–22° |
| Engine | Cummins ISBE 275 or Cummins ISLE 350 6 Cylinder 6210cc |
| Transmission | SAND and Transmission Guard |
| Suspension | Leaf spring |
| Ground clearance | 345 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 310 liter |
Operational range | 100 km/h |
Development
editSHOTA Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle. Made in Albania.[1] Configured to be used in wide range of missions, SHOTA is built to withstand,ballistic arms fire, mine blasts, IEDs and other emerging threats. In a recent announcement on social media, the Albanian Defense Minister Niko Peleshi showcased a major milestone for Albania's defense industry: the development of the country's first armored military vehicle, dubbed "Made in Albania." Peleshi stressed the importance of innovation and encouraged the nation to embrace bold progress.[3] The announcement, highlighted the collaborative efforts with the producer, TIMAK, in creating this revolutionary prototype. Peleshi expressed his confidence that in three weeks, at the Eurosatory fair in Paris,[4] this Albanian product will be successfully presented on an international stage. Peleshi's message also touched on the need to overcome any feelings of intellectual inferiority, a crucial step for Albania to make its mark on the developed world. The Minister of Defense believes that by promoting innovation and trust, Albania can achieve extraordinary results in various sectors, including military technology. First orders are starting from Albanian army and Kosovo Security Force[5][6][7]
Operators
edit
Albania: Soon part of Albanian Armed Forces[5]
Kosovo: Soon part of Kosovo Security Force[6][7]
References
edit- ^ a b c Webolizma. "SHOTA MRAP | TIMAK". www.timak.com. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
- ^ Webolizma. "TIMAK". www.timak.com. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
- ^ "Presented at the Eurosatory International Fair in Paris, the first Albanian military car "Shota"". www.mod.gov.al. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
- ^ "Presented at the Eurosatory International Fair in Paris, the first Albanian military car "Shota"". www.mod.gov.al. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
- ^ a b "Presented at the Eurosatory International Fair in Paris, the first Albanian military car "Shota"". www.mod.gov.al. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
- ^ a b "'Shota’ do jetë pjesë e ushtrisë së Kosovës”, Vengu: Shqipëria gati të sjellë trupa në Kosovë. A2 CNN. 2024-08-30. Retrieved 2024-10-08 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b Salihi, Njomza (2024-06-18). "Sveçla e viziton "Shotën" në Paris, e sheh për së afërmi makinën e parë të blinduar të prodhuar nga Shqipëria". Sinjali (in Albanian). Retrieved 2024-10-08.