At the Training Range in Babaj i Bokës, Gjakova, the Distinguished Visitors Day (DV Day) was held today as part of the multinational international exercise “Defender Europe 25.” Through this exercise, Kosovo was said to have demonstrated its readiness to become a member of the North Atlantic Alliance, NATO.
In this military exercise, in which Kosovo is not only the host but also participates with approximately one thousand members of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), over 25,000 troops from 29 NATO allied and partner countries are involved.
Today, KSF members, through specially prepared operational scenarios for this day, demonstrated the operational readiness and level of interoperability with partner and regional forces, according to organizers.
Participating in the exercise are also troops from the United States, Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria.
The exercise was closely observed by Kosovo’s Supreme Commander, President Vjosa Osmani, together with Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, representatives from NATO member states and international partners, ambassadors, and senior officers from the KSF and participating countries.
Supreme Commander Vjosa Osmani said the Kosovo Security Force has proven it is ready not only to contribute to such operations but also to be an equal state, a NATO member state.
She added that today, once again, the KSF demonstrated its interoperability with allied forces on a larger scale.
Osmani: Kosovo has proven to be a loyal ally
President Osmani added that “Defender 2025” is a strong testimony of the unwavering alliance between Kosovo and the United States.
Osmani: The unwavering alliance between Kosovo and the U.S.
“Defender 2025 is a strong testimony of the unwavering alliance between Kosovo and the United States,” she stated.
The KSF military exercise as part of “Defender Europe 2025” was also attended by Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who said that the exercise demonstrated the strength and interoperability of the KSF with NATO.
According to him, these types of efforts strengthen Kosovo’s case for NATO membership.
Kurti: This weaponry was purchased over the past three years
The acting prime minister also praised the Kosovo soldiers.
Kurti: The training ground is becoming one of the best in the region
The U.S. Army Chief of Staff for Europe and Africa, Levon Cumpton, said the ability to achieve interoperability and build readiness together not only ensures regional security and stability but also has broader implications.
The Commander of the U.S. Army’s 28th Infantry Division, Major General Micheal Wegscheider, said these exercises demonstrated full interoperability.
According to him, the true heroes of this exercise, which involved 18 countries, are the people of Kosovo, the KSF staff and officers under the leadership of General Jashari.
Wegscheider: The true heroes of this exercise are the KSF officers
“We commanded from the continental United States, across the ocean, to the tactical command post here in Gjakova, with four multinational brigades from Bulgaria, Albania, North Macedonia, and Croatia participating in this exercise to demonstrate and evaluate capabilities. We succeeded. In my opinion, we demonstrated full interoperability. I will conclude with this: I have been here many times in this beautiful country, and every time I return, I am amazed. I have spent some years of my life here. The true heroes of this exercise, which involved 18 countries, are the people of Kosovo, the KSF staff and officers under the leadership of General Jashari, as well as the KSF soldiers located 5,000 meters away in the southern valley, sweating and demonstrating their capabilities and strong determination,” he said.
Alongside the military exercise, the latest modern military equipment of Kosovo was also presented at the training ground in Babaj i Bokës, which was closely inspected by the state leaders.
The “Defender Europe 2025” exercise in Kosovo began on May 26, 2025, and will conclude on June 9.
