More than €224 million has been allocated to Kosovo’s Ministry of Defence in the draft budget for 2027, with over €122 million earmarked for capital investments. Modernisation, military equipment and the further development of the Kosovo Security Force’s (KSF) capabilities remain key priorities.
Increasing defence spending is considered essential to completing the transformation of the KSF into a modern, professional force capable of operating in coordination with NATO standards.
On Monday, the Government of Kosovo approved the draft budget for 2027, amounting to €4.27 billion.
The proposed budget allocates more than €1.4 billion for subsidies and transfers, over €1 billion for salaries and allowances, and more than €1 billion for capital investments.
One of the significant allocations is for the Ministry of Defence, which also oversees the Kosovo Security Force.
The ministry is set to receive €224,168,705 in 2027 to support Kosovo’s defence capabilities and the continued development of the KSF. Of this amount, €122.4 million is earmarked for capital investments, while €58.7 million is allocated for salaries and allowances.
The funding is intended to support the modernisation, equipment and expansion of the KSF’s capabilities, further advancing its transformation into a force capable of fulfilling its full constitutional and legal mandate.
Security experts argue that defence funding is never sufficient given the ongoing need for modern equipment and weaponry. Nevertheless, they say investments made so far are steering the KSF towards modernisation and stronger military capabilities.
“When it comes to acquiring new weapons and equipment, decisions must always be based on an assessment of needs, the standards required and the changes in warfare that are reshaping military concepts. This particularly concerns missile systems, drones, air defence, anti-armour warfare systems and even protection against cyber warfare. I believe the KSF is developing the expected capabilities,” said Nuredin Ibishi, a security expert.
Professors specialising in geopolitics and security say Kosovo is demonstrating its commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities while meeting NATO’s defence-spending commitments.
“[The allocation] is above 2 per cent of GDP. However, Kosovo is naturally in a more complex situation because it is building its capabilities from the ground up. I believe that further investment is necessary, not to create an additional burden on Kosovo’s budget, but to complete the fundamental transformation of its Security Force. We are building an army from scratch, and it is being developed in line with NATO standards,” said Dorajet Imeri, professor of geopolitics and security studies.
Experts maintain that increased defence spending is essential to completing the KSF’s transformation into a modern, professional force capable of interoperability with NATO forces.
