Kosovo Announces First State Ammunition Factory

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has announced plans to establish the country's first state-owned ammunition factory and drone design laboratory, a move aimed at enhancing national defense amid rising tensions with Serbia. An inter-ministerial commission, chaired by Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci, will oversee the initiative, which follows a feasibility report from Turkey's Ministry of Defence. The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity for a self-sustaining defense sector to ensure operational capability in light of increased military acquisitions and the current global security climate, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. This development marks a significant shift in Kosovo's defense posture, which has seen a doubling of military personnel and a tripling of its defense budget in recent years. While NATO remains cautious about Kosovo's military expansion, over 4,000 peacekeepers are still stationed in the region to maintain stability. The initiative reflects Kosovo's commitment to bolster its defense infrastructure in preparation for potential threats from Serbia.