Kosovo is set to host the multinational military exercise "Defender Europe 25", with preparations well underway at the Babaj Boka military training ground in Gjakova. Thousands of U.S. military personnel have already begun deploying their units for the exercise, which will take place from May 25 to June 6.
The Babaj Boka military training ground will serve as the hub for this large-scale global military event, as the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) takes on the role of host for one of Europe's largest military exercises. Over these two weeks, 29 countries and 25,000 troops will participate in the multinational training, led by the U.S. Army.
Liridona Gashi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, emphasized the exercise's objective: to demonstrate the power of interoperability among multinational states in a joint exercise.
"For us, participation in this international exercise is of particular importance because, through it, we will be able to demonstrate the KSF's combat capabilities for territorial defense, as well as military support for civilian authorities," Gashi stated. "Since it is a multinational exercise, it is also a very good opportunity for our members to enhance their capacities and skills regarding interoperability in such multinational operations."
The "Defender Europe 25" exercise underscores Kosovo's growing role in international security cooperation and provides a significant opportunity for the KSF to further develop its capabilities alongside its allies.