Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has highly praised the significance of the multinational military exercise “Defender Europe 2025,” emphasizing that this international activity helps strengthen cooperation between the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) and the armed forces of partner countries, reports Rks News.
In a public post, Kurti noted that the presence of U.S. and allied troops in the country is a clear demonstration of growing trust from the United States and international partners in Kosovo’s institutions and the professionalism of its military.
“This exercise is of great importance for increasing our force’s interoperability with the armies of partner countries and reflects the growing confidence the U.S. and our partners have in the Government of the Republic, the Ministry of Defense, and above all, in the professionalism of our army,” he wrote.
Full Statement :
Defender Europe 25 is the largest exercise that the U.S. Army conducts on the European continent.
This year, Defender Europe 25 is taking place in three geographical zones: Northern Europe, Central Europe, and Southeastern Europe which includes Kosovo. Across these zones, the exercise will engage 25,000 military personnel from 29 NATO and partner countries.
In Southeastern Europe, including Kosovo, 12,000 troops from 19 countries will participate.
The Republic of Kosovo will be one of the 18 host countries, and the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) will take part with approximately 1,000 troops in exercises held in Kosovo, Albania, Croatia, and North Macedonia.
The most significant highlight for Kosovo in this year’s Defender Europe 25 is that the U.S. Army has selected the Republic of Kosovo as the host location for the command of the U.S. Army’s 28th Infantry Division. From the KSF base at Gjakova Airport, this U.S. tactical command will lead all brigades operating in the Southeastern Europe region.
In addition to the 28th Division Command, KSF units will be joined at the Babaj i Bokës Training Area by military units from the Iowa National Guard, and personnel from the Republics of Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria.
The portion of the exercise held in Kosovo will last until June 9 and will take place in the western part of the country.
During this exercise, KSF units will conduct offensive, defensive, and stability operations. The drill will also include live-fire exercises using newly purchased and ongoing weapons systems procured by the Government of Kosovo for its army.
