US backs Kosovo's plan to create an army
Washington supports Kosovo's plans to create its own army, the US ambassador to Pristina said 6 December, signalling a rift with NATO, which is against the move.
Kosovo, a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008, is expected to vote 14 December on whether to transform its lightly-armed emergency force, Kosovo Security Force (KSF), into a national army.
Since the end of the 1998-99 war that effectively cleaved it from Serbia, Kosovo has been defended by international NATO-led troops.
On 6 December NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg stressed that Kosovo's army plans are ‘ill-timed’ and go ‘against the advice of many NATO allies.’
But Washington is fully behind the move, US ambassador Philip Kosnett told state broadcaster RTK in Pristina.
‘We think that KSF's evolution into Kosovo's armed forces is a positive step and that it is only natural for Kosovo as a sovereign and independent country to have its own defence capability,’ he said, adding that the US has invested money and training in the emergency force's development.
‘This is a process that will take many years,’ he added.
Belgrade has led the charge in raising concern over Kosovo's army plans, which it has cast as a threat to the 120,000 Serbs still living in the former southern province.
Serbia refuses to recognise Kosovo's independence and still considers it a renegade territory.
Speaking about Pristina's army plans 5 December, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said: ‘I hope that we will never have to use our army, but at this moment it is one of the options on the table’.
More from Land Warfare
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production]()
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
-
![Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded]()
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
