Construction work on Kosovo’s first ammunition factory has begun at the Jahoc field in Gjakova, where workers and heavy machinery are preparing the site for the industrial complex. The Ministry of Defence has set a target for the first “Made in Kosova” test munitions to be produced before the end of this year, but security experts express doubts about whether this deadline can be met.
According to the ministry, the implementation of the project is proceeding in line with the planned pace and with the agreement concluded with MKE, the Turkish state-owned defence industry company. Liridona Gashi, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Defence, has clarified that works have already started and are continuing according to the agreement with MKE, while the timetable foresees the start of the first test production by the end of this year.
According to her, the investment is not limited only to the construction of a factory, but envisages an industrial complex for the production of munitions, equipped with supporting infrastructure, laboratories for testing and calibration, warehouses and other facilities necessary for its operation. However, completing the building alone is not enough to get the complex running.
A legal basis and the completion of administrative procedures are needed, alongside the installation of technology, preparation of staff and compliance with safety standards. It is precisely these requirements that make the experts doubt the timely realisation of test production. Hysen Gecaj, a security affairs analyst, considers it impossible to start munitions production within such a short period.
Disputing the possibility of meeting the deadline by the end of the year, he stresses that the Assembly of Kosovo has not yet approved a law on military munitions. Meanwhile, Arben Dashevci, also a security affairs analyst, sees the delays as linked to administrative and legal issues that require finalisation between Kosovo and Turkey.
He bases this assessment on the nature of the partnership between Kosovo and the Republic of Turkey, which includes a very serious munitions production factory. Preparations for the complex have not been limited to construction. A few months ago, the Ministry of Defence had also opened recruitment procedures for the employees who will be engaged there.
As part of the preparations for making the factory operational, the competition provided for various job positions and specialised profiles in several professional fields. In December, two years will have passed since the Government of Kosovo signed an agreement with MKE, the Turkish state-owned defence industry producer, for the establishment of the munitions factory in Kosovo.
At that time, it was said that munitions production in Kosovo would start at the end of December. Two years later, it remains open whether the first “Made in Kosova” munitions will be produced this year or whether the start of production will exceed the announced deadline.