Ibishi: I expect ammunition factory to begin production early next year

Although the Kosovo authorities previously announced that ammunition production at the factory near Gjakova would begin by the end of this year, security expert Nuredin Ibishi says more time will be needed, as the project requires not only construction of the facility but also the installation of machinery and training of personnel.

“Construction work began only recently, and I do not believe production can start that quickly, namely by the end of the year. I expect this to become possible early next year because the project requires the building itself and the necessary infrastructure, followed by the installation of machinery and recruitment of personnel. I believe more time is still needed, but in any case, I expect the project to move forward in the right direction early next year. I hope that, in addition to meeting domestic needs, we will also have the opportunity to export abroad,” Ibishi said, according to Ekonomia Online.

He said the factory was expected to produce 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ammunition, calibers used in NATO-standard weapons.

Ibishi noted that Kosovo had previously faced difficulties in procuring ammunition because of its dependence on imports and shortages of certain calibers on the market.

“There were many problems with imports, and at times market supply was also limited. We had problems with certain calibers—for example, there was a shortage of 9x19 mm ammunition. However, I now hope that we will no longer face such problems. Not only should that problem be resolved, but we will also have export opportunities, given that the plan is to produce around 20 million rounds of these two calibers annually. We hope that production capacity will eventually be expanded to other calibers as well. It is also positive that these are NATO-standard calibers. This is important because our weapons are also aligned with NATO standards,” the security expert said.

The first ammunition factory to be built in Kosovo, with support from Turkey, will have an annual production capacity of 20 million rounds, according to previously published information.

The project is being implemented by Turkish state-owned defense company MKE (Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi A.Ş.). Under the agreement, MKE will also provide Kosovo with equipment for manufacturing cartridge cases and ammunition, assembly and loading lines, as well as laboratories and testing equipment.

In addition, Turkish experts will provide the local workforce with training in production, maintenance and repairs, as well as technical assistance. MKE will also be responsible for the construction of the production facilities.