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LAGO PATRIA, Italy – Approximately 200 personnel from NATO’s newly established Allied Reaction Force (ARF) will deploy to the Western Balkans from 30 September to 16 October 2024, to conduct training to ensure its readiness and to support the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). This is the first time any element of the ARF has deployed since the organisation was stood up in July 2024. 

A military contingent of the ARF’s Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team (OLRT) of around 50 personnel will be in Kosovo and a forward command node of around 150 personnel will be established in North Macedonia.

The deployed personnel will perform training activities to maintain their high level of readiness and to test their skill-set and procedures to rapidly deploy a large force. A part of the ARF headquarters will be temporarily integrated into the command and control structures of the KFOR mission, with the task to identify requirements of logistical, infrastructural and operational support to KFOR, in the event of a significant reinforcement of KFOR’s posture.

The ARF is a strategic, high-readiness, multi-domain capable force. It is able to deploy at very short notice, supported by scalable multi-domain force packages to strengthen deterrence in different scenarios. The ARF provides the Supreme Allied Command Europe (SACEUR) with an immediate crisis response capability. This ARF deployment, along with the ongoing deployment of the Strategic Reserve Force (SRF) to Kosovo  announced earlier this month, sends a renewed and clear message of NATO’s strong resolve and commitment to maintain peace and stability in the region, as well as NATOs ability and readiness to respond. 

Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP) is closely monitoring the situation in the Western Balkans, a region of strategic importance for the Alliance. Recurrent tensions and uncoordinated actions raise the concern of NATO Allies and partners about lasting security across Kosovo, the stability of the region,  and the safety of NATO and partners troops. 

JFCNP supports KFOR efforts in implementing its mandate – based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 – to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at all times and impartially. KFOR acts as third security responder, in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law (EULEX) mission, which are the first and second security responders, respectively. 

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