RFE/RL: US approves arming Kosovo for $14 million

The US State Department has notified the US Congress of a proposed license to export defense items, technical data and defense services to Kosovo worth $14 million or more, congressional sources told Radio Free Europe.

The notification was sent by the State Department's Bureau of Legislative Affairs, pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act.

The same notice was forwarded to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Section 36(c) requires the US administration to notify Congress of certain sales or proposed authorizations of defense articles and services to foreign nations.

The Congressional document did not provide details on the type of equipment or services covered by this permit.

The announcement of the supply of new American weapons to Kosovo comes at a time when US congressmen are calling for Washington to support Kosovo's membership in NATO.

Kosovo has previously purchased military equipment from the US.

In February 2025, Kosovo received drones purchased from the US, and a few months later, armored vehicles.

In 2024, Kosovo submitted a request to purchase 200 Javelin anti-tank missiles.

Military vehicles "Humvees" arrived in Kosovo from the United States in 2018. That year, the Kosovo Government signed a contract with the American company "AM General" for 51 vehicles.

Two years later, Kosovo purchased other military vehicles from the US, while in 2021, the US government donated 55 ASV (Armored Security Vehicle) vehicles to Kosovo.

The Kosovo Security Force (KSF) is in the process of transforming into an army. This process began in 2018, following a change in the law, and is expected to last ten years.

The United States has supported this transformation from the beginning, but not NATO, which insists that the KSF adhere to its original tasks, such as crisis response or civil protection.

The KSF is preparing to join the International Stabilization Force for Gaza, based on the peace plan for the region proposed by US President Donald Trump.