Macedonian: We are prepared for any situation and any threat

Kosovo has continuously faced a series of threats and destabilizing actions coming from Serbia, from the terrorist attack in Banjska in 2023, to another criminal act in the Iber-Lepenc Canal, to repeated attacks through which the Serbian state aims to violate the constitutional order of the country.

Regarding this, in an interview for RTK, the acting Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, says that Serbia is continuing with the same aggressive policy of the past, but emphasizes that Kosovo has built sufficient capacities to face any danger. He warns of the purchase of Black Hawk helicopters and emphasizes that the concept of Comprehensive Defense positions the country as safe without the need for mandatory military service.

Over the past few years, Kosovo has faced continuous destabilizing efforts by Serbia, led by Aleksandar Vučić.

The terrorist attack on September 24, 2023 in Banjska by a paramilitary formation supported by Vučić aimed at annexing the north, the terrorist act on the Ibër Lepenc Canal in 2024, and many other ongoing attacks undermined the stability, constitutional order, and sovereignty of the country.

Even the acting Minister of Defense, Ejup Makedonci, says that Serbia continues to have the same policy as three decades ago. But he says that Kosovo is ready to face any threats from any country that comes.

"A policy that aims at destabilization and that has a hegemonic and destabilizing approach in relation to others and this makes us take measures to prepare not only for a specific threat but for all threats that come. We do not measure, we do not prepare, we do not arm ourselves only based on Serbia's capacity. We are building a Force that is ready not only to protect Kosovo from any threat and danger, but also to contribute to peace and security alongside our allies around the world," said the Macedonian.

The Macedonian has said that 2026 will be the time when the purchase of 'Black Hawk' helicopters will be finally concluded in coordination with the United States of America, although discussions on procurement procedures have already begun.

"This purchase, like most purchases by the Ministry of Defense, will be made according to the country-by-country concept and will be carried out through the FMS or Direct Sale program, that is, through direct communication with the manufacturer. We are currently in the needs analysis phase because purchasing a helicopter is not as simple as purchasing other weapons systems," stressed Maqedonci.

After the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, several Western Balkan countries have reinstated compulsory military service, among them Croatia took this decision after 17 years. In this regard, Macedonia said that Kosovo has the concept of Comprehensive Defense, simplifying its functioning, taking as a model several NATO member countries.

"We have come to the conclusion that Comprehensive Protection is a concept that enables Kosovo to build a protection system for the interests of the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo without the need for this to be made mandatory, through a voluntary reserve system, through the engagement of institutions. It is a model that has been taken from several countries and has been adapted in the Ministry of Defense," Macedonci underlined.

Meanwhile, by the end of the comprehensive transition plan that the KSF completes in 2028, the Kosovo Army is expected to have 8520 members, including 5000 active soldiers, 3000 reservists and 520 civilian staff.