Ministry of Defense of Kosovo: Focus on investing in modern weaponry; "Javelin" is not the only system we plan to purchase

The process of transforming the KSF into forces with military capabilities – now entering its sixth year of the ten-year plan – is progressing according to plan, the Ministry of Defense of Kosovo announced, RFE reported.

Liridona Gashi, the political advisor to the Minister of Defense of Macedonia, stated for Radio Free Europe that this process was already in the second phase of implementing a comprehensive plan.

It is expected, according to her, that this phase which is about 85% complete, will be finished next year.

"This phase involves enhancing combat capabilities. During these two years, the focus has been more on investing in modern weapon systems... as Kosovo's request to purchase Javelin missiles has already been announced. But this is not the only system we plan to buy", Gashi said.

On January 11, the Biden administration informed Congress about the proposed arms sale to Kosovo under the US Foreign Military Sales program. Through this US military program, the US Government and a foreign government can reach intergovernmental agreements for providing security assistance.

Kosovo's request includes the purchase of 246 Javelin FGM-148F missiles and tracking equipment, as stated by the US Defense and Security Cooperation Agency.

According to the Arms Export Control Act, Congress has 30 days to review the request in this case, but approval is not required.

This period is necessary before the sale's approval letter is issued.

The process of transforming the KSF into the Armed Forces of Kosovo began in December 2018, when the Kosovo Assembly approved legal changes to alter the mandate of the KSF. It is planned that this process will last for ten years, until 2028.

Currently, the Kosovo Security Force has around 2,500 members. After the transitional period, this number is expected to increase to over 7,500, including active and reserve members.

Previously, on January 11, the US Defense and Security Cooperation Agency announced that this arms sale "will enhance Kosovo's long-term defense capabilities to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity and meet its security requirements".