About 200 men of the Allied Reaction Force NATO’s recently established ARF will deploy to the Western Balkans from 30 September to 16 October for training activities to ensure readiness and support the NATO Force in Kosovo (KFOR). This is the first time that elements of the ARF have deployed since the force was established in July 2024.
A military contingent of the operational liaison and reconnaissance group (OLRT) of the ARF composed of approximately 50 personnel will deploy to Kosovo, while a contingent of approximately 150 personnel will be based in North Macedonia.
The deployed personnel will carry out training activities aimed at maintaining a high level of readiness and testing skills and procedures related to a large-scale deployment. A part of the ARF command will temporarily integrate with the command and control structures of the KFOR mission with the task of identifying logistical, infrastructural and operational needs in support of KFOR should the need arise to strengthen the KFOR structure.
The ARF is a multi-domain strategic force with a high level of readiness. It is capable of deploying at very short notice, supported by modular force packages designed to raise the level of deterrence in various scenarios. The ARF provides the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) with an immediate response capability to crisis situations.
The deployment of the ARF, in addition to the one already in place in Kosovo of Strategic Reserve Force (SRF) announced earlier this month, clearly renews NATO's firm intention to maintain peace and stability in the region, as well as its ability to respond promptly.
Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP) closely monitors the situation in the Western Balkans, a region of strategic importance to the Alliance. Recurring tensions and uncoordinated actions have increased the level of concern among NATO Allies and partners about the security of Kosovo, the stability of the region and the safety of NATO and partner troops.
The JFCNP supports KFOR's efforts to implement its mandate – based on the Resolution UN Security Council 1244 of 1990 – aimed at ensuring a safe environment and freedom of movement for the entire population and for all communities at any time and in an impartial manner. KFOR is the third entity of intervention to safeguard security and operates in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the EU Mission (EULEX) which intervene respectively in the first and second round.
