New US M1117 Guardian armored vehicles reinforce Kosovo Security Force at borders.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated on X on August 17, 2025, that the Kosovo Security Force has received a delivery of 50 Armored Security Vehicles M1117 Guardian from the United States as part of a broader effort to strengthen Kosovo’s military capabilities. The transfer falls under the U.S. Excess Defense Articles Program and is one of the most substantial land systems acquisitions made by Kosovo to date. The vehicles will be integrated into the KSF’s operational structure and are expected to significantly enhance the force’s mobility, firepower, and survivability across a wide range of missions. This delivery comes at a time when Kosovo is accelerating its military modernization and reinforcing its national defense posture in response to persistent regional security challenges.
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The M1117 Guardian offers all-terrain mobility, mine-resistant armor, and turret-mounted firepower including a .50 cal machine gun and 40mm grenade launcher, making it ideal for reconnaissance, convoy protection, and internal security operations (Picture source: Albin Kurti on X).

The vehicles delivered are M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicles, manufactured by Textron Marine & Land Systems. Originally developed for the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, the M1117 combines the firepower and protection of a light armored vehicle with the mobility of a wheeled platform. The vehicle is designed for operations in high-threat environments, having been combat-proven in the urban and counter-insurgency environments of Iraq and Afghanistan. The M1117 offers a versatile solution for military forces needing to conduct reconnaissance, escort convoys, defend installations, or support civil-military operations in unstable areas. Its all-welded steel armor, reinforced with ceramic-composite applique panels, provides all-around protection against 12.7 mm armor-piercing rounds and shell fragments, as well as mine and IED blasts beneath the hull.

The M1117 has a combat weight of approximately 13.4 tonnes and is powered by a Cummins 6CTA8.3 turbocharged diesel engine delivering 260 horsepower. The vehicle uses an Allison MD3560 automatic transmission, allowing for six forward and one reverse gear. It reaches a maximum speed of 101 km/h and has an operational range of around 725 kilometers, depending on terrain and load. Its suspension system includes four-wheel independent coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, offering superior off-road mobility. It can ford up to 0.91 meters of water without preparation and climb gradients of up to 60 percent. The M1117 also includes run-flat tires and central tire inflation systems, enabling continued movement even after sustaining damage.

The vehicle’s turret is another standout feature. It is equipped with a one-man turret mounting a .50 caliber M2HB heavy machine gun and a 40 mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher. A secondary M240H 7.62 mm machine gun is mounted coaxially, allowing for multiple layers of firepower. Additionally, the M1117 features six smoke grenade launchers and can be outfitted with thermal imaging, laser rangefinders, and GPS navigation, depending on configuration. The interior accommodates a crew of three, commander, gunner, and driver, with seating for up to three additional personnel. Its internal configuration includes firing ports for personal weapons and blast-resistant seating, providing both offensive and defensive functionality in dynamic combat environments.

The addition of M1117 ASVs significantly upgrades the KSF’s capabilities across multiple mission sets. These include convoy protection, border patrol, urban area stabilization, high-value transport escort, and reconnaissance missions in rugged terrain. The vehicles are particularly suited to Kosovo's varied topography, including mountainous terrain and limited road infrastructure in rural regions. Their mobility allows for rapid redeployment in response to border incidents or internal unrest, while their firepower ensures adequate protection against both conventional and irregular threats. Their modular design also allows the KSF to adapt them for specialized roles such as command-and-control vehicles, medical evacuation, or communications platforms.

The geopolitical context surrounding this delivery highlights its broader strategic importance. Kosovo continues to face significant security challenges stemming from unresolved tensions with Serbia, particularly in the Serb-majority northern municipalities. Despite ongoing EU-facilitated dialogue and the framework laid out by the 2023 Ohrid Agreement, implementation has stalled amid mutual mistrust and sporadic violence. In September 2023, an armed attack by Serbian paramilitary elements in the village of Banjska underscored the volatility of the situation. Serbian troop movements near the border and continued political friction in multilateral forums have reinforced the need for Kosovo to bolster its deterrence capacity.

Beyond immediate security threats, Kosovo also operates in a region marked by strategic competition. Foreign influence operations, including disinformation campaigns and economic coercion, continue to target the Western Balkans. These efforts, often orchestrated by regional and global actors seeking to prevent Euro-Atlantic integration, have underscored the importance of building resilient institutions, including capable and professional armed forces. The M1117 delivery aligns with Kosovo’s broader defense transformation goals, which include full interoperability with NATO, a professional military corps, and the eventual integration of Kosovo into collective security structures. In March 2025, Kosovo joined a trilateral defense cooperation agreement with Albania and Croatia, further solidifying its regional security posture.

The M1117 ASVs also complement existing modernization programs within the KSF. In recent years, Kosovo has acquired UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems, and advanced communications and logistics platforms. These procurements are part of a ten-year strategic plan that aims to fully transition the KSF into a capable territorial defense force by 2028. Each system is integrated through joint training exercises with the United States and other NATO partners, ensuring not just equipment compatibility but also doctrinal alignment and operational effectiveness.

As these 50 M1117 Guardians are fielded into active KSF battalions, they will serve as force multipliers across operational theaters. Units will benefit from enhanced mobility, increased survivability, and greater lethality, particularly in responding to crises in remote or hostile environments. The vehicles also provide a visible symbol of Kosovo’s growing partnership with the United States and its commitment to defending its democratic institutions. For a young state still consolidating its sovereignty, these armored vehicles are not just tools of war, they are strategic assets in the service of stability, deterrence, and state-building.