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Belgrade expresses concern over the fact that KSF members are trained at military academies in the United States, NATO countries and Turkey...
The modernization of the Kosovo Security Force and its transformation into a full-fledged army is alarming Belgrade. Serbian media reports that this will be accomplished by 2028, with the support of international partners.
It even seems that Belgrade is concerned about the modern equipment, which was also displayed at the Kosovo Security Force parade on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of Independence. The reaction of the Serbian media comes at a time when Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has also reacted, especially after what is considered an alliance of the three countries Albania-Croatia-Kosovo, and cooperation in the field of defense between them, including the organization of joint exercises.
Even about a week ago, Vučić declared that Kosovo's security forces are stronger than the armies of North Macedonia and Montenegro.
"If you look at the American index lists, Pristina's army is stronger than those of Montenegro and North Macedonia," Vučić said.
"Although KFOR forces are considered the only legitimate military formation on the territory of Kosovo according to Resolution 1244, during the celebration of the 18th anniversary of the declaration of independence in Pristina, the fully equipped Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) paraded. The plan foresees that by 2028 these forces will reach "full capabilities" and then declare themselves an army," Serbian media writes.
According to NIN , Kosovo's partners are working to strengthen the capabilities of the KSF. This includes the purchase of American "Black Hawk" helicopters, "Bayraktar" drones, as well as the launch of local ammunition production. The media has also reported on the purchase of 105 mm howitzers on "Humvee" platforms and the German anti-tank system "Panzerfaust 3".
According to the aforementioned plans, the KSF is expected to have around 8,500 members, active and reservists, by the end of the transformation.
Even Serbian media expresses concern about the fact that KSF members are trained at military academies in the United States, NATO countries, and Turkey.
The US military has provided training in the use of mortars, while the Turkish military trains them in the use of automatic grenade launchers, Serbian media reports.
The formal transformation began in 2018 with the adoption of three laws in the Assembly of Kosovo: the Law on the Ministry of Defense, the Law on the KSF, and the Law on Service in the KSF.
The magazine quotes political analyst Ognjen Gogić, who states that the objective of making the army operational by 2028 has long been known and that the process aims to achieve NATO standards and interoperability with the armies of member countries.
Gogic believes that the statements of some Western diplomats, according to which the formation of the Kosovo army does not contradict Resolution 1244, are unfounded.
He adds that NATO has no intention of keeping its forces in Kosovo forever and that the idea has been for Kosovo to build its own capacities, so that the international presence can be gradually reduced.
The article also mentions the military alliance between Croatia, Albania and Kosovo. Kosovo's Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, has announced that a military exercise will be held in Croatia this year with the participation of these countries.
During the Munich Security Conference, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska stated that cooperation between Kosovo, Albania and Croatia contributes to regional stability.
According to Gogić, it remains to be seen which scenarios will be simulated in these exercises and how they will be organized.
He emphasizes that the KSF transformation process and regional developments represent an important issue for security in the Balkans.
The KSF was established in 2009, through the transformation of the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPK). The KPC was a “civil protection” organization, tasked with assisting the population in cases of natural disasters and other emergencies. /Pamphlet/
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