Europe now looks with worry towards the Balkans. While the continues to redefine the balances of power on the continent and Russia tries to maintain its influence in the region, a focus has emerged after the latter country announced the arrival of an important military shipment to its most important airport, from Türkiye.
“Containers with thousands of Skydagger kamikaze combat drones arrive today at Pristina ‘Adem Jashari’ International Airport,” the acting Kosovar Prime Minister announced on Facebook on October 8, Albin Kurtihighlighting that “dozens of FSK soldiers are already trained for its use”referring to the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).
The contract with Baykar, Kurti explained, was signed in December 2024, and although delivery was scheduled for January 2026the prime minister celebrated that “we got them three months early”, which represents a significant boost for the strategy of military modernization of the country.
Skydagger drones, also known as RTF (Ready To Fly) type Skydagger FpV, are designed for offensive missions. “They are combat drones equipped with explosive equipment intended to attack static and moving enemy targets“said the president.
This acquisition adds to the systems TB2 Bayraktar y Pumaalready in possession of the Kosovo army. “With the acquisition of this contingent of unmanned aircraft, together with TB2 Bayraktar and Puma, we continue building and increasing attack power of our army in order to build a force capable and coherent with new technological advances and contemporary combat tactics,” said Kurti.
The transportation of the drones was carried out in Rheinmetall 8×8 multifunction truckspurchased last year: “15 sosh in total, 10 purchased from us and 5 donated.” the head of government detailed.
Outrage of the president of Serbia: “I am dismayed”
The news of the arrival of these devices has generated a wave of indignation in Belgradewhere the Serbian president, Aleksandar Vucichas accused Ankara of “trying to restore the ” and has warned that Serbia has gotten the message.
“I’m dismayed by Türkiye’s behavior and its brutal violation of the United Nations Charter and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244as well as the continued supply of weapons to the authorities in Pristina,” Vucic criticized.
The signed on June 26, 1945 in San Francisco and in force since October 24 of that same year, is the fundamental instrument of modern international law. Binding on all Member States, it establishes the principles that govern international relations, “from the sovereign equality of the States, until the prohibition of the use of force in international relations”.
For its part, the relationship between Serbia and Kosvo is framed in the approved in 1999, which laid the foundations for the UN provisional administration of Kosovo. This resolution remains legally binding, Belgrade maintains. Kosovo, for its part, declared its independence in 2008an act that the International Court of Justice ruled in 2010 did not violate international law or Resolution 1244 itself, although its advisory opinion is not binding.
Likewise, the Serbian president insisted that “Türkiye does not want stability in the Western Balkans and dreams of restoring the Ottoman Empire. Serbia is a small country, but we understood the message perfectly“.
In parallel, Serbia is reorienting its defense policy. During the Unity Day rehearsals, drones kamikaze emirates ADASI, which suggests a distancing itself from its traditional Russian and Chinese suppliers. Analysts interpret this purchase as a sign that Belgrade seeks to diversify its military alliances in the face of increasing tensions in the Balkans.
Complex situation in the Balkans
The current crisis in the Balkans is intensified by the growing influence of Serbia, which seeks to consolidate a “Serbian unity” in the region. This phenomenon, with historical, ethnic and political roots, centers on the conflict with Kosovo, whose independence in 2008 remains unrecognized by Belgrade. He pushes for the creation of an ethnically Serbian state in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republic of Sprska), which would strengthen Serbia’s power in the region, especially in areas such as Metohija and among Serbo-Montenegrins.
To counter this influence, Kosovo has formed a strategic alliance with Albania and Croatiaboth members of NATO. This bloc seeks not only to strengthen Kosovo’s position, but also to promote regional stability and development. The cooperation includes economic initiatives, defense and foreign policyalthough it faces risks derived from historical ethnic tensions.
In response, Serbia has narrowed countries that support their position on Kosovo. Hungary, led by Viktor Orbán, maintains ties with the Hungarian minority in Vojvodina, while Slovakia does not recognize Kosovo independence. This Belgrade-Budapest-Bratislava axis acts as channel of Russian influence in the regioncomplicating the integration of Kosovo into European structures.
Montenegrofor its part, is in a delicate geopolitical position. Since its independence in 2006, it has sought to get closer to the EU and NATO, which has generated tensions with Russia and Serbia. Although Montenegro tries to maintain neutrality, its strategic importance, especially due to the ports of Bar and Kotor, makes it a key player for Serbia.
