Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has declared that if he is re-elected, over one billion euros will be designated from the budget for the Kosovo Security Force.

During a government session reflecting on his four-year tenure, Kurti highlighted the “extraordinary results” achieved.

“The military budget has tripled, training abroad has seen a fourfold increase, and investments in weaponry have surged, including the procurement of Bayraktar combat drones and plans for an ammunition factory,” Kurti stated.

He emphasized that “over a billion euros will be earmarked for the military in the new term,” mentioning the construction of an ammunition factory and the production of military drones ‘Made in Kosovo.’

For 2024, the budget allocated to the Kosovo Ministry of Defense was set at 153 million euros, with 207.8 million earmarked for the current year.

Kosovo initiated the process of establishing an ammunition factory in November 2024 and secured a contract with a Turkish manufacturer for ammunition—Turkey is also a supplier of drones for Kosovo’s military. Additionally, plans for a laboratory dedicated to designing unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, have been announced.

Alongside its goal of domestic weapon and ammunition production, Kosovo is also in the process of acquiring various military assets. Currently, the purchase of over 200 Javelin air defense systems from the United States is underway, with Kosovo investing 75 million dollars for this procurement.

At the government assembly, Kurti revealed that Kosovo intends to acquire American “Black Hawk” helicopters to enhance the capabilities of the Kosovo Security Forces.

Kosovo has recently taken significant steps to bolster its defense and security infrastructure. This includes approving a comprehensive agreement aimed at deepening defense cooperation with the United States and signing a declaration to enhance collaboration with NATO-member states in the region, specifically Albania and Croatia.

The government believes that the agreement with the U.S. will support Kosovo in building strategic military capabilities, while the declaration with Albania and Croatia is expected to “contribute to peace in the region.”

Belgrade has criticized Kosovo’s initiatives to strengthen its defense and arms sectors.

Serbia views the cooperation declaration with Albania and Croatia as a move that “undermines regional stability” and a “provocation.”

Interestingly, Kurti’s plans for an increased defense budget coincide with the upcoming formation of a new government following the parliamentary elections held on February 9th.

Although Albin Kurti’s Self-Determination Movement received the most votes, it lacks the majority to form a government independently. Nevertheless, Kurti has indicated that a coalition will be formed with minority non-Serb communities.

The major Albanian opposition parties have stated their intention not to ally with the Self-Determination Movement.

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