The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Republic of Kosovo of Javelin anti-tank missiles, the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) announced on 11 January 2024.
The proposed sale, which is worth USD 75 million (EUR 68.5 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
Kosovo has requested 246 Javelin FGM-148F missiles (including six fly-to-buy missiles) and 24 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs). Also included in the package are Javelin LWCLU basic skills trainers; Javelin outdoor trainers; missile simulation rounds; outdoor training instructor stations; battery coolant units; system integration and check out (SICO); life cycle support; interactive electronic technical manuals; operator manuals and technical assistance; tools; Javelin gunner training; ammunition technical officer training; Javelin maintenance training; and other elements of logistical and programme support.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the security of a European partner which is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe.
“The proposed sale will improve Kosovo’s long-term defence capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to meet its national defence requirements,” the DSCA stated.
The US government is supporting Kosovo’s plan to turn its Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into a fully fledged Kosovo Armed Forces, even though this plan is objected to by Serbia and not supported by NATO. Although the KSF has US M72 LAW and Turkish HAR-66 and OMTAS anti-armour weapons, it is not a current Javelin user.
The prime contractors for the Javelin FMS to Kosovo will be Javelin Joint Venture partners Lockheed Martin, out of Orlando in Florida, and Raytheon Missiles and Defense, out of Tucson in Arizona.
