Kosovo Ramps Up Defense Spending: Focus on Black Hawk Helos, Drones

Kosovo plans a 60% increase in defense spending over the next four years, focusing on acquiring Black Hawk helicopters and production plants for ammunition and drones. This move aims to counter potential threats from Serbia. Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced a proposed budget of one billion euros for the army.

Kosovo is intensifying its defense initiatives with a strategic plan to increase spending by 60% over the next four years, according to Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The country aims to acquire Black Hawk helicopters and build production plants for ammunition and drones as part of its strengthened defense strategy.

Kosovo's proposed budget for its army will reach one billion euros, marking a significant rise from the 626 million euros allocated in the last four years. This decision follows Kurti's repeated calls for heightened defense measures to hedge against a perceived threat from neighboring Serbia, which has not recognized Kosovo's independence.

Since 2021, Kurti has increased defense spending steadily, resulting in recent procurement of Bayraktar drones and Javelin anti-tank missiles. Meanwhile, Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia have struck a deal to boost defense collaboration, a move that has irked Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, accusing them of sparking an arms race.

(With inputs from agencies.)