Kosovo is poised to establish its first-ever domestic ammunition factory, marking a historic leap toward defense self-sufficiency. Acting Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci confirmed the news on Tuesday following high-level strategic talks with Turkish defense officials at the SAHA EXPO 2026 international fair.
The project, which is scheduled to break ground later this year, will be developed as a 100% local brand, representing a cornerstone in the creation of Kosovo’s sovereign defense industry.
Strategic Partnership with Turkey
Minister Maqedonci met with Haluk Görgün, Secretary of the Turkish Defense Industry, to discuss the implementation of the ammunition plant. The facility is the result of a landmark agreement with Turkey’s state-owned defense giant MKE (Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi A.Ş.).
Key features of the project include:
- Production Capacity: An estimated annual output of 20 million cartridges.
- Full Spectrum Facility: The plant will include machinery for case and bullet manufacturing, loading lines, testing laboratories, and quality-control systems.
- Knowledge Transfer: MKE engineers will provide technical training, maintenance guidance, and operational expertise to Kosovo’s local workforce.
Expanding the Defense Ecosystem
The visit to Istanbul also included meetings with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar—the manufacturer of the Bayraktar TB2 and Skydagger drones already operated by the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).
“The excellent relations between Kosovo and Turkey, built over years of mutual trust, are deepening constantly,” Maqedonci stated. He emphasized that building a domestic industrial base is a “vital pillar for guaranteeing peace, security, and sustainable development in the region.”
From Procurement to Production
The shift toward domestic manufacturing marks a significant evolution in Kosovo’s defense strategy. Under Prime Minister Albin Kurti, the government has transitioned from merely purchasing foreign equipment to seeking co-production and industrial autonomy.
By producing its own ammunition, Kosovo aims to reduce its logistical dependence on imports and strengthen its deterrence capabilities amidst ongoing regional security challenges. The facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026, serving as a symbol of the KSF’s modernization and Kosovo’s growing role as a responsible security actor in the Balkans.
