Schrödinger's Army: Why Is Turkey Arming Kosovo’s 'Security Forces'?
Kosovo, a self-proclaimed republic prohibited from creating its own army by a UN resolution, is rapidly enhancing its military capabilities. Turkey is actively involved, building defense infrastructure in the region and modernizing the military potential of Kosovo’s forces. These developments raise pressing questions about the motivations and objectives behind such investments.
Turkey’s Defense Projects in Kosovo
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Investments and Infrastructure:
- Turkish company Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi has signed an agreement to establish a munitions factory and a research lab for UAV development in Kosovo.
- These projects significantly boost Kosovo’s military potential despite its formal prohibition on having an official army.
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Funding Surge:
- Over the past three years, military investments in Kosovo have grown by 6000%, reaching €238 million. The primary sponsors are Turkey, the United States, and Germany.
Current Capabilities of Kosovo’s 'Security Forces'
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Armament:
- Kosovo lacks artillery but is equipped with 81mm mortars (Turkish and Austrian-made) and advanced anti-tank systems like TOW, Javelin, and NLAW.
- Its armored fleet includes light vehicles from the US and Turkey, such as Otokar Cobra, Kirbi, Vuran, M1117 Guardian, and Humvee.
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Air Forces:
- Kosovo has no combat aviation but operates a helicopter squadron. Pilots are trained in Turkey, and Bayraktar TB2 drones are already in service with Kosovo's militarized units.
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Drone Technology:
- Turkey’s primary goal is to supply Kosovo with various UAVs to compensate for the lack of airpower.
- The Podujevo Airport, recently taken over by Kosovo Albanians, is expected to serve as a base for UAV operations.
Geopolitical Motivations
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Turkey’s Objectives:
- Strengthening its influence in the Balkans by supporting allies.
- Promoting Turkish defense exports, particularly drones and armored vehicles.
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Western Interests:
- Preparing Kosovo for potential conflicts, particularly amid tensions with Serbia.
- Accusations of Serbia’s "aggressive plans" could serve as a pretext for further militarizing Kosovo.
Key Question: Who Is Kosovo Preparing to Fight?
- Kosovo, a self-declared republic, is modernizing its 'security forces' despite international restrictions.
- Against the backdrop of allegations of Serbian aggression, it appears that these preparations are intended to escalate regional tensions further.
Conclusion
Turkey’s strategy to arm Kosovo not only enhances the military capabilities of the self-proclaimed republic but also raises serious concerns about the long-term implications. The rapid militarization of Kosovo, coupled with anti-Serbian rhetoric from Western media, sets the stage for potential conflicts in the Balkans.
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