The transformation of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into a full-fledged army is happening faster than initially planned, according to the Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci.
The minister confirmed that the number of KSF members has already surpassed 4,300, and by next year, it is expected to exceed 5,000.
The KSF has been undergoing a transformation into a military force since 2018.
By the end of the transition in 2028, the force is expected to have over 7,500 members—5,000 active-duty personnel, with the rest as reservists.
“Our objectives are being realized faster than initially planned, which demonstrates our commitment to the development of the KSF,” Maqedonci told Radio Free Europe.
According to him, the military force is being built according to NATO standards—the 32-member alliance that Kosovo aspires to join.
He said that its members are being trained in NATO military academies and are implementing NATO’s doctrine.
Furthermore, Maqedonci added, “All of our military procurements are carried out from NATO member countries.”
“This is a standard that ensures high-quality equipment and full compatibility with the alliance’s systems,” he emphasized.
Regarding national defense and security, the minister assessed that Kosovo now has much more advanced capabilities compared to a few years ago.
Due to the sensitivity of the information, he did not provide specific details about the country’s armament but mentioned, among other things, “a fleet of Bayraktar drones” and “other unmanned aerial systems.”
“We have procured different systems from various countries, some of which are similar to the Javelin system,” Maqedonci said, referring to the advanced anti-tank weapon system, which has high capabilities against armored vehicles.
Last year, Kosovo made a request to purchase 200 anti-aircraft systems like these, and Maqedonci stated that the payment for them is currently being processed.
“The U.S. Department of Defense has completed all procurement procedures, and we are now in the phase of executing the payments. A significant amount of these missiles is expected to arrive this year,” the minister stated.
The United States has supported the transformation of the KSF into an army from the beginning, but NATO has not, insisting that the KSF should adhere to its original mandate, such as crisis response and civil defense.
In this organization, where decisions are made unanimously, four countries do not recognize Kosovo’s independence: Greece, Spain, Slovakia, and Romania.
However, Maqedonci said, “The majority of NATO member countries recognize the KSF with its military mandate.”
“We are working so that, in the near future, NATO will recognize our legal changes—which would allow for a greater involvement of the KSF in NATO’s joint operations,” he said.
“It is essential for us that the U.S.—our main strategic partner—together with the major NATO countries, contributes to the building and strengthening of our defense capacities,” the Kosovar Minister of Defense added.
He described the presence of NATO’s peacekeeping mission, KFOR, in Kosovo as a key factor in “developing the country’s defense capacities.”
“We will continue to cooperate and coordinate our actions with KFOR and NATO to ensure the proper development of the defense sector,” he emphasized.
In light of recent geopolitical developments, the minister said that over the next four years, a budget of over 1 billion euros is projected for Kosovo’s defense.
Even in the past four years, the budget for this sector has steadily increased—from 67.3 million euros in 2021 to 207.8 million euros this year.
