Kosovo will begin producing military ammunition in line with NATO standards by December this year, Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci announced.
Speaking in a televised interview, Maqedonci described the move as a historic milestone for post-war Kosovo and a major step forward in developing the country’s defense industry.
“We have already taken initial steps toward building a defense industry. By the end of this year, in December, we will produce the first ammunition ever made in Kosovo — 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm,” he said.
The minister explained that the project is tied to the establishment of a domestic ammunition factory, supported by cooperation with a state-owned manufacturer from Turkey, which has committed to enabling the first phase of production.
The ammunition types — 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm — are widely used across NATO-member militaries. The 5.56 mm caliber is standard for individual infantry rifles, while 7.62 mm is typically used for heavier, squad-level weaponry.
According to Maqedonci, Kosovo is set to become one of the first countries in the Western Balkans to produce NATO-standard ammunition domestically, strengthening its defense and security capabilities.
The initiative is expected to contribute to greater self-reliance in military supply and align Kosovo more closely with Euro-Atlantic defense standards.
