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| Javelin missile launcher, source: Reuter |
The U.S. has accepted Kosovo's request for the purchase of "Javelin" anti-tank missiles, as confirmed by Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić. The announcement came after a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Serbia, Christopher Hill.
According to the statement, Ambassador Hill informed Vučić that the U.S. State Department would convey Kosovo's request to the American Congress, initiating the official procedures.
Vučić expressed disappointment at this news, stating it was a significant letdown for Serbia. However, he emphasized his commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region, as well as strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Serbia and the U.S.
"We also discussed Serbia's international position, the situation in Kosovo, and the continuation of dialogue with Pristina. We confirmed our commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region and enhancing friendship and cooperation between Serbia and the U.S.," wrote Vučić on his Instagram account.
The Ministry of Defense of Kosovo stated that the acquisition of "Javelin" missiles is part of enhancing the capabilities of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).
"The KSF is building its military capabilities, and, in this regard, there is a military agreement signed between the Republic of Kosovo and the United States, functioning within the FMS program, allowing purchases through this program. In this context, Javelin missiles and other modern armament systems are included," said Liridona Gashi, political advisor to Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci, for Radio Free Europe.
The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program is a U.S. military initiative to provide security assistance, serving as a "vital tool of U.S. foreign policy," according to the U.S. Agency for Security Cooperation. Under this program, the U.S. government and a foreign government can reach intergovernmental agreements, known as Letters of Offer and Acceptance.
The demand for the Javelin system has increased over the past year. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of these weapons, has reported a doubling of the current production from 2,100 units to 3,960 units annually by 2026, as agreed under a new contract with the U.S. military.
Thirteen European states, including North Macedonia and Albania, have recently adopted the Javelin system. Ukraine has received substantial deliveries of Javelin missiles from the United States, with 8,500 units supplied by the end of October 2022.
Serbia's President, Aleksandar Vučić, expressed disappointment at the news that the U.S. will sell Javelin anti-tank missiles to Kosovo. Despite the disappointment, Vučić stated he would work to maintain Serbian-American relations.
"For us, it is important that peace in the region is not disrupted, and Serbia continues to act responsibly and contribute to stability in the Balkans," said the Serbian President.
Kosovo's Ministry of Defense confirmed on Thursday evening that the Kosovo government had reached an agreement with the United States for the purchase of military equipment through the FMS program.
Regarding the Javelin system, Liridona Gashi, political advisor to Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci, stated, "Military purchases, including the Javelin system, are foreseen within this program. The request for the Javelin system has been submitted, and Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci has discussed it with the U.S. State Department and the Department of Defense during his official visit. According to the public information we have received, this item has already been sent for approval in Congress, and we expect a positive decision."
Meanwhile, Ramush Haradinaj, the leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, called the announcement of Kosovo's request "delayed news."
"For public information, as early as 2018, within the 10-year plan for the development of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), agreements were made for the purchase of anti-tank systems, including Javelin missiles and more! This government cannot boast about why it made a request to purchase this anti-tank system today, but it must explain why it has been delayed so much! It needs to answer why it has not fulfilled the objectives agreed upon in the 10-year plan for supplying the Kosovo Security Force with necessary weaponry, even though tens of millions have been allocated for the purchase of weaponry and other logistical equipment for the KSF!" wrote Haradinaj on his Facebook account.
In December 2018, the Parliament of Kosovo passed a law transforming the Kosovo Security Force into the Kosovo Army. This process is expected to take ten years and will not replace NATO forces, which continue to maintain around 5,000 peacekeeping troops in Kosovo, hundreds of whom are American.
The Javelin missile has been in production since 1994 and was first used in Iraq and Afghanistan. It gained prominence after the Russian aggression in Ukraine, extensively used by Ukrainian forces against Russian tanks.