US approves possible Javelin sale to Kosovo

Kosovo has requested 246 FGM-148F Javelin missiles and related equipment from the US. (Javelin Joint Venture)

The US State Department notified the US Congress on 11 January of a possible Foreign Military Sales of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Kosovo for an estimated cost of USD75 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced in a press release later the same day.

Kosovo has requested 246 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, including six fly-to-buy missiles; 24 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs); Javelin LWCLU basic skills trainers; Javelin outdoor trainers; missile simulation rounds; outdoor training instructor stations; battery coolant units; system integration and check-out; life-cycle support; Javelin manuals; tools; Javelin gunner, ammunition technical officer, and maintenance training; and other elements of logistics and programme support.

The DSCA said the proposed sale would support US foreign policy goals and national security by improving Kosovo's security and long-term defence capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region, according to the DSCA. However, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed “deep disappointment” in Kosovo's request for Javelin missiles in a statement published by his office after meeting on 11 January with Christopher Hill, the US ambassador in Belgrade, who informed him that the request had been sent to the US Congress, the Associated Press news agency reported.

The prime contractor will be the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missiles & Defense.