Former Minister of Defense of Kosovo, Armend Mehaj, has stated that one of the greatest challenges, but also the most important strategic achievements during his mandate, has been the initiation and concretization of the defense industry in Kosovo, starting with the establishment of local ammunition production.
In an interview for RTV DukagjiniMehaj emphasized that this process has been complex and demanding, but according to him, it has been successfully concluded and with broad support from international partners.
"A major challenge, which at the same time constitutes one of the most important achievements, has been the initiation and concretization of the defense industry in the Republic of Kosovo, starting with the establishment of local ammunition production. This process has been complex and demanding, but it has been successfully implemented. There is evidence and support for this initiative from international partners, ministers and former ministers, some of whom still continue to be part of government institutions," Mehaj declared.
According to the former minister, this step has marked an important moment towards increasing Kosovo's self-sufficiency in the field of defense, reducing dependence on ammunition imports and creating a basis for the long-term development of the local defense industry, Dukagjini reports.
In addition to initiating the ammunition industry, Mehaj has also listed the consolidation of the legal and institutional basis of the Kosovo Security Force as a key achievement of his mandate.
"Our greatest achievement during the leadership of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo has been the complete consolidation of the legal and institutional basis for the Kosovo Security Force. In this context, essential laws have been adopted and supplemented, such as the removal of the limitation on the number of members of the Kosovo Security Force, the adoption of the Law on Military Police and the Law on Military Intelligence, which have created stable foundations for its modern and professional functioning," he said.
Mehaj, as another important part of his mandate, says there was also the modernization of armaments and military equipment through state-to-state agreements to which he was personally committed.
"An important strategic achievement has also been the signing of agreements for the purchase of advanced military equipment, including 'Bajraktar' unmanned aerial vehicles, 'Puma' type unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as other modern equipment from Turkey's friendly country, including 'OMTAS' type anti-tank systems. State-to-state agreements have also been initiated and signed, which have paved the way for many subsequent strategic acquisitions in the field of defense," the former minister stated.
He also mentioned the improvement of military infrastructure and logistical capacities, emphasizing that during his mandate, strategic properties were secured for the needs of the army.
On the operational and international level, Mehaj emphasized the KSF's participation in multinational exercises and the growth of its role as a reliable regional and international security partner, including the sending of its members to peacekeeping missions abroad.
