Kosovo plans to increase its defence spending by 60% over the next four years, with a focus on acquiring Black Hawk helicopters and developing domestic ammunition and drone production, Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Kurti revealed that his administration would allocate €1 billion ($1.08 billion) for the military in its next mandate, up from €626 million in the previous four years. The move aligns with his ongoing efforts to strengthen Kosovo’s defence capabilities amid tensions with neighbouring Serbia, which does not recognise Kosovo’s independence and continues to claim the territory as its own.
Since taking office in 2021, Kurti has consistently pushed for increased military investment. Kosovo purchased Turkish-made Bayraktar drones in 2023 and last year acquired Javelin anti-tank missiles worth $75 million.
Tensions remain high in northern Kosovo, where NATO maintains a peacekeeping force of over 4,000 troops. The region has witnessed escalating ethnic conflicts over the past two years, prompting Kosovo to bolster its security infrastructure.
Further amplifying its defence initiatives, Kosovo recently signed a cooperation agreement with NATO members Albania and Croatia, aimed at enhancing regional security. The pact, however, has drawn criticism from Serbia, with President Aleksandar Vučić accusing the countries of engaging in an “arms race.”
Kurti’s party secured 41% of the vote in February’s parliamentary election, but he is still working to form a coalition government. If successful, his administration is expected to further strengthen Kosovo’s military capabilities in the face of regional security challenges.
Melissa Enoch
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