The Turkish Ministry of Defense has officially announced that Turkey will once again take command of NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) starting October 2025, for a one-year mandate. This marks the country’s return to leadership after a successful command period during 2023–2024, according to TurkiyeToday.
Turkey’s Renewed Leadership in Kosovo
At a press briefing, Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk, spokesperson for the ministry, confirmed that Ankara is committed to maintaining security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region.
“Our country, which has made significant and decisive contributions to NATO’s security and the Euro-Atlantic region, will continue to do so in the future. This mission will be carried out in a neutral and transparent manner, in line with NATO and United Nations resolutions,” Akturk stated.
Since the establishment of KFOR on June 12, 1999, under a UN Security Council resolution, Turkey has been a consistent contributor of troops. Currently, KFOR consists of 4,500 troops from 29 NATO and partner nations.
Key Incidents and Contributions
One of the most notable moments highlighting Turkey’s role came in June 2023, when Turkish soldiers deployed to Zubin Potok, northern Kosovo, at the request of KFOR, to help restore calm amid rising tensions.
Turkey’s renewed command comes at a sensitive time for the Western Balkans, as security challenges have intensified since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Turkish-led command in 2023–2024 was widely praised for helping ease tensions in northern Kosovo, and the 2025 leadership is expected to build on that stabilizing influence.
Turkey’s Growing Role in NATO
In addition to its Kosovo mission, Turkey recently marked another milestone: for the first time in NATO history, a Turkish general has been appointed Director of Security Cooperation at NATO’s International Military Command in Brussels.
This appointment further underscores Ankara’s rising strategic importance within NATO. Reports highlight Turkey as a key pillar of the alliance’s defense architecture. Meanwhile, the upcoming visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Ankara and recent statements by U.S. officials praising Turkey’s contributions reflect the country’s growing role in Euro-Atlantic security.
