The "brain" of the operation in Gjakova, the Kosovo army tests its capabilities in training with NATO

The Kosovo Security Force will engage with around 1,000 military personnel in the "Defender Europe 25" exercise, which began on Monday and is expected to conclude on June 9, alongside the armies of 28 participating countries.

Kosovo is also one of the 18 host countries of this exercise, where a total of 25,000 soldiers will participate.

The American tactical command of the 28th Infantry Division, which will lead all brigades in the Southeast Europe region, has been established at Gjakova Airport.

Meanwhile, at the military training ground in Babaj i Boka, offensive, defensive and stability combat operations will be conducted by KSF units, military units of the Ajoa Guard, units and personnel from the Republic of Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia and Bulgaria.

"Kosovo with the KSF will participate in this exercise with approximately 1,000 members who, in addition to Kosovo, which will be the largest number of KSF members who will attend the exercise, will be deployed and have already been deployed in Albania, North Macedonia and Croatia," said Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci.

Through this exercise, the Kosovo Security Force aims to demonstrate operational readiness and the degree of combat interoperability with partner countries and the region.

"The KSF, namely the KSF commands, assess themselves in this case to what extent they are compatible with the allied forces that are participating in these exercises. There, the equality of one KSF headquarters with a corresponding headquarters of a friendly state that is participating in the exercise is seen and here, comparisons are then made and lessons are learned ," declared Colonel Hysen Gecaj.

The military estimates that despite the challenges the Security Force faces from time to time, mainly due to politics, it enjoys the trust of its allies.

"This is an indicator that the KSF is moving forward in terms of professional development not only of its superiors, officers and non-commissioned officers, but also in terms of combat skills as well as equipment," said Colonel Hysen Gecaj.

Two years ago, due to the tense situation in northern Kosovo, the "Defender Europe 23" activity was ultimately canceled, while former US Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier stated that it was a consequence of the actions of the Kosovo Government. (A2 Televizion)