> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.adriadefense.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Albanian-Israeli Defense Venture Moves Headquarters to Former Copper Plant in Rubik - URL: https://www.adriadefense.com/albanian-israeli-defense-venture-moves-headquarters-to-former-copper-plant-in-rubik/ - Published: 2026-10-28T12:04:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-28T12:03:59.000Z - Description: Albanian-Israeli defense venture Advanced Arms Technology selects a former copper processing plant in Rubik as its new headquarters, with plans for weapons and military drone manufacturing. - Author: AdriaDefense Desk - Tags: Albania, SEE, Israel, Defense Industry, Industry, Drones Albanian-Israeli defense company Advanced Arms Technology has approved the relocation of its headquarters to a former copper processing plant in Rubik, northern Albania, marking another step in the country's efforts to develop domestic weapons and military drone manufacturing capabilities. The decision was adopted on October 22, 2026, by the shareholders of Advanced Arms Technology, a joint venture between Albania's state-owned defense company KAYO and privately owned UNO18, associated with Israeli businessman Ron Yeffet and Albanian entrepreneur Arjeta Puca. According to company documents reported by Albanian media on October 27, the new registered address will be at the former Rubik Copper Processing Plant in the municipality of Mirditë. The industrial complex, reportedly covering more than 50,000 square meters of land, forms part of Albania's wider strategy to repurpose former industrial facilities for defense production. ## Advanced Arms Technology Targets Weapons and Drone Manufacturing Advanced Arms Technology was established in November 2025 to support Albania's ambitions to develop domestic manufacturing capabilities for military equipment. According to Albanian corporate registry records, the company's registered activities include the production, assembly and commercial distribution of small- and medium-caliber firearms, military drones and related equipment. Its intended customers include the Albanian Armed Forces, domestic security institutions and potential international buyers, subject to applicable export regulations. UNO18 holds 80% of Advanced Arms Technology, while state-owned KAYO controls the remaining 20%. UNO18 is associated with Ron Yeffet and Arjeta Puca, while KAYO operates under Albania's Ministry of Defence and is led by Ardi Veliu. The company's relocation decision establishes a potential industrial base for future activities, although no confirmed production launch date, manufacturing investment or employment target has been announced. ## Former Rubik Copper Plant Remains State-Owned The Rubik facility was previously part of Albania's copper processing industry. In March 2025, the Albanian government approved Decision No. 140 transferring the former industrial property's ownership to KAYO, with the intention of supporting activities within the state company's defense manufacturing mandate. The property arrangements have attracted public scrutiny because Advanced Arms Technology is majority-owned by a private shareholder. However, KAYO issued an official statement on October 25 rejecting reports that the Rubik facility had been donated or transferred into private ownership. The state company said the property remains entirely under its ownership and that partner companies may only receive rights to use facilities for agreed industrial activities. KAYO also cited the government's March 2025 decision, which prohibits the sale or transfer of the property outside the permitted legal framework. The distinction is significant: Advanced Arms Technology's decision to register its headquarters at the industrial site does not establish that the property has been privatized. The terms and duration of the facility's use by the joint venture have not been publicly detailed. ## Albania Expands Its Defense Manufacturing Partnerships The Rubik development comes as Albania seeks to rebuild its defense-industrial base through partnerships between state-owned companies and private manufacturers. KAYO has become a central institution in that strategy, participating in joint ventures covering military vehicles, weapons, equipment and maritime technologies. In August, [AdriaDefense reported that Albania delivered its first 40 domestically assembled NATO-standard military vehicles](https://www.adriadefense.com/albania-delivers-first-nato-standard-military-vehicles-built-at-home/), produced by TIMAK Defence through a partnership with KAYO. The delivery represented a tangible manufacturing milestone in a broader program intended to reduce dependence on imported military equipment. Albania is also pursuing cooperation with international defense companies. Earlier this year, [AdriaDefense reported on Albania's expanding defense-industrial partnership with Italy](https://www.adriadefense.com/albania-italy-advance-defense-cooperation-with-focus-on-naval-industry-and-regional-security/), including cooperation between KAYO and Fincantieri on potential naval vessel production. Advanced Arms Technology represents another part of that industrial strategy, focusing on weapons and unmanned systems rather than military vehicles or shipbuilding. ## Next Step Will Be Establishing Production Capacity The relocation decision is an administrative development rather than confirmation that weapons manufacturing has begun at Rubik. Several important aspects of the project remain unconfirmed, including the investment required to convert the former copper processing facility, the technologies to be installed and the expected manufacturing capacity. The company has also not announced whether it intends to manufacture complete weapons and drone systems at the site or initially focus on assembly and integration. For Albania, successfully converting the existing industrial complex into an operational defense facility could create opportunities for local engineering companies, specialized suppliers and skilled manufacturing workers. However, the project's industrial significance will ultimately depend on physical investment, confirmed production capabilities and commercial contracts.