The US will continue to support the KSF with military equipment

2026-02-10 11:36:22, Kosova & Bota CNA

The United States Embassy in Kosovo will continue to support the Kosovo Security Force in acquiring American military equipment, thus promoting American businesses and trade ties between the United States and Kosovo, a spokesperson for the embassy in Pristina told Radio Free Europe.

According to him, strong military cooperation between the United States and Kosovo is helping the KSF achieve self-sufficiency and make Kosovo a key contributor to regional and global stability.

"The United States fully supports the 10-year transition of the Kosovo Security Force into a multi-ethnic, professional, and NATO-interoperable territorial defense force capable of enhancing regional security and promoting U.S. security interests," the spokesperson said.

He made the comments in response to Radio Free Europe's questions about how the United States assesses the current phase of the KSF's transformation into a military force and the role the US anticipates playing in the final phase of this transformation.

The KSF began this ten-year process in 2018, following the adoption of relevant laws by the Kosovo Assembly, which paved the way for its transformation into a fully-fledged army.

Since then, the United States has supported this step, calling the transition "historic" and confirming its commitment to the professional development of the force - unlike NATO, which considered the decision "inappropriate at the time", due to tense relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

Officials from the Ministry of Defense in Kosovo have confirmed to REL that the transformation is expected to be completed in 2028, according to plan. For now, air capabilities are being developed, combat regiments are being strengthened, and work is being done to complete the reserve component with 3,000 members, as the target for 5,000 regular troops has already been reached.

In recent years, Kosovo has received or purchased various military equipment from the US, including RQ-20 Puma drones, Javelin missiles, and Humvee vehicles.

Currently, the KSF is preparing to join the International Stabilization Force for Gaza, which is part of the peace plan for this region, proposed by US President Donald Trump. /REL