The United States has approved Kosovo’s request to purchase Javelin missiles and related equipment for $75 million.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the possible Foreign Military Sale was transmitted to Congress for approval.
Under the proposal, Kosovo wants to acquire 246 Javelin FGM-148F missiles and 24 Javelin lightweight command launch units.
The procurement request also includes relevant equipment for operating and maintaining the weapon system and other elements of logistics and program support.
The Department of State cleared the agreement to bolster the security of a European partner, which the U.S. government deems a critical factor in maintaining political and economic stability in the region.
Particularly, the potential Javelin missile sale will improve Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the agency said.
The DSCA identified RTX and Lockheed Martin as the prime contractors supporting the FMS deal, which it noted would not disrupt the existing military balance in the region.
The U.S. government announced the proposed arms deal as tensions between Kosovo and Serbia continue to rise following the election of Kosovo-backed mayors in the country’s northern areas where ethnic Serbs live.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade did not recognize the move.