Kosovo to begin ammunition production after deal with Turkish company

Pristina, January 4, 2025 — Kosovo plans to start producing ammunition within the next 18 months following an agreement with Turkey’s state-owned "Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi" for a new manufacturing facility.

Kosovo’s Defence Minister Ejup Maqedonci confirmed that the Turkish company has already begun producing the necessary machinery for the project.

“After signing the contract, production of the required machinery has begun,” Maqedonci said. “While I can’t give an exact timeline, we expect to see the first ammunition produced in Kosovo within a year and a half.”

The factory will focus on two types of ammunition: 5.56mm and 7.62mm, both state-branded. The Ministry of Defence is currently searching for a location for the facility.

Maqedonci also confirmed that Kosovo is in talks with several countries about setting up a drone design laboratory. "We are exploring options with the U.S. and others, beyond Turkey," he said.

The Kosovo Security Force (KSF) will complete its transition into a fully operational military by the end of 2025, and is upgrading its combat capabilities, including new anti-tank systems.

“We’ve secured Javelin systems from Turkey, the U.S., and other countries,” Maqedonci added. “Discussions are ongoing with the U.S. for more Javelins to be delivered in 2025.”

Kosovo is also working towards acquiring helicopters as part of its defense modernization plan. "We expect to make decisions on the type of helicopters needed by 2025,” he said.

Since 2021, Kosovo has spent 270 million euros on defense modernization as part of its goal to meet NATO standards.