Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has declared that the process of transforming the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into a fully equipped military force is expected to be completed by 2028.
However, this development has met strong opposition from Serbia and has sparked debates within NATO and the European Union.
In the context of increased tensions in the Balkans and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, Kosovo’s security issue has garnered heightened attention.
Kosovo, as a young state with a population of around 1.6 million, continues to rely on international presence for its defense, including the missions of KFOR and EULEX, reports Euronews.
The transformation of KSF from a light security force focused on civil defense and crisis management into a military with 5,000 active troops and 3,000 reservists by 2028 is a strategic goal for Kurti’s government.
For this purpose, Kosovo has begun purchasing Bayraktar drones from Turkey, Javelin anti-tank missiles from the USA, and Black Hawk helicopters.
Additionally, plans include the construction of a munitions factory and a drone laboratory.
“One of the pillars of the state, besides territory, population, and government, is also the military force,” said Mimoza Ahmetaj, former Minister for European Integration, in an interview with Euronews.
“And we are not doing anything different from what other countries are doing. In fact, we are living in the reality of our time where countries are competing in militarization,” added Ahmetaj, who also served as Kosovo’s ambassador to Brussels among other diplomatic posts.
On the other hand, NATO and the European Union have been divided on this process.
A NATO spokesperson stated that the transformation of KSF into an army must be in accordance with international agreements and in coordination with allies.
“We understand Kosovo’s aspiration to develop an army, but this process should be part of a broader dialogue and take place in harmony with existing agreements,” said the NATO spokesperson.
Meanwhile, several EU countries, including Germany and the United Kingdom, have strongly supported Kosovo in this process.
The British Ambassador to Pristina, Nicholas Abbott, stated, “A functional defense force is crucial for the security of any sovereign state. We support Kosovo’s efforts to develop a defense-capable military.”
However, the five EU countries that do not recognize Kosovo’s independence (Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Cyprus) have been more skeptical, emphasizing the need for more dialogue with Serbia.
The former commander of KSF, General Kadri Kastrati, said that Kosovo needs a functional army to ensure its defense.
“We cannot remain forever dependent on NATO. Kosovo must have an army with 5,000 active troops and 3,000 reservists to protect its sovereignty,” said Kastrati.
He added that Kosovo is already building its first munitions factory and a laboratory for drone development to strengthen its domestic defense industry.
