Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced on X that the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) has taken delivery of 50 M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicles from the United States. The transfer, carried out under the U.S. Excess Defense Articles Program, marks one of Kosovo’s largest acquisitions of land systems to date. The vehicles will be integrated into KSF’s operational structure, enhancing mobility, firepower, and survivability across multiple mission profiles.
The M1117 Guardian combines all-terrain mobility, mine-resistant armor, and turret-mounted weapons including a .50 caliber machine gun and a 40 mm grenade launcher, making it well-suited for reconnaissance, convoy escort, and internal security tasks.
Manufactured by Textron Marine & Land Systems, the M1117 was originally developed for the U.S. Army Military Police Corps and has proven its effectiveness in Iraq and Afghanistan. With all-welded steel armor reinforced by ceramic panels, the vehicle withstands 12.7 mm armor-piercing rounds, shell fragments, and mine or IED blasts. Weighing 13.4 tons, it is powered by a 260 hp diesel engine, reaching speeds of 101 km/h and an operational range of 725 km. Its independent suspension and run-flat tires provide superior performance on Kosovo’s rugged terrain.
The delivery comes at a pivotal time as Kosovo faces persistent tensions with Serbia, including border incidents and stalled dialogue despite the 2023 Ohrid Agreement. The M1117s will significantly strengthen KSF’s border security, urban stabilization efforts, and convoy protection missions.
Alongside recent acquisitions such as UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, Javelin anti-tank systems, and advanced communications platforms, the M1117s are part of Kosovo’s long-term defense modernization plan. By 2028, the KSF aims to become a fully professional and NATO-interoperable territorial defense force.
The 50 new Guardians not only boost military capability but also symbolize Kosovo’s deepening partnership with the United States and its commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and stability in the Western Balkans.
