Kosovo’s acting Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, confirmed that he is expected to continue serving as Minister of Defense in the new Kurti government, emphasizing continuity in the country’s defense strategy.
In an interview with Euronews, Maqedonci highlighted that investments in defense are part of a clear and long-term strategy aimed at safeguarding Kosovo’s territorial sovereignty and protecting the lives of its citizens.
He stressed that Kosovo’s military investments pose no threat to neighboring countries, but are instead focused on strengthening defensive capabilities in line with NATO standards and within the framework of strategic partnership with the United States.
Advanced Artillery Systems from the United States
Maqedonci underlined that recent defense contracts signed with the United States and Turkey, including modern artillery systems and advanced drones, demonstrate continued allied support for Kosovo.
“The latest contract we signed in the United States is one of the best we have ever concluded,” Maqedonci said.
“It includes state-of-the-art mobile artillery systems, developed after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and specifically adapted for protection against drones and other modern threats.”
He noted that Kosovo is the first country in the world, outside the U.S., to procure this newly developed artillery system, whose prototype was first introduced in 2021. According to the contract, full delivery is expected within two years, with initial systems arriving as early as 2026, alongside training, reserve options, and supporting vehicles.
Expanding Drone Capabilities
Maqedonci also detailed Kosovo’s growing drone capabilities, stating that the country now operates multiple types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used for surveillance, tactical operations, and strike missions.
“Kosovo has acquired three types of drones from Turkey and the United States,” he said.
These include Bayraktar drones, equipped for reconnaissance and airstrike missions, Puma drones purchased from the U.S. and delivered in 2025, as well as loitering munitions (“suicide drones”), a new Bayraktar production, delivered three months ahead of schedule in autumn 2025.
According to Maqedonci, these three drone systems allow coverage of diverse geographic areas and support tactical and operational defense needs.
First Ammunition Factory in Kosovo
The Defense Minister also emphasized the strategic importance of building Kosovo’s first-ever ammunition production facility, which will not only meet the needs of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) but also create export opportunities and contribute to economic development.
“The factory will produce NATO-standard 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ammunition,” Maqedonci said, adding that the contract was signed on December 16 last year.
The facility will be located in Gjakova, within a 133-hectare defense industrial zone, while an additional 120 hectares will be allocated to domestic and foreign private companies interested in defense-related investments. Maqedonci noted that contacts with U.S. companies have already been established to explore cooperation.
He concluded that these initiatives represent a major step toward strengthening Kosovo’s defense self-sufficiency, interoperability with NATO forces, and long-term security resilience.
