Approximately 200 personnel from Nato’s newly established Allied Reaction Force (ARF) are being deployed to the Western Balkans from September 30 to October 16 to conduct training exercises to ensure operational readiness and support the Nato-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission.

KFOR said that the Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP) is closely monitoring the situation in the Western Balkans, which is a region of strategic importance for Nato. Ongoing tensions and uncoordinated actions in the area raise concerns among Nato allies and partners regarding security in Kosovo and the overall stability of the region.

The ARF is a strategic, high-readiness force capable of multi-domain operations, prepared to deploy at short notice with scalable force packages to enhance deterrence in various scenarios. 

This marks the first deployment of any element of the ARF since its formation in July 2024. The mission includes a military contingent of about 50 personnel from the ARF’s Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team (OLRT) in Kosovo, alongside a forward command node comprising around 150 personnel in North Macedonia, KFOR said on September 30.

The deployed forces will engage in training activities designed to maintain their high readiness levels, testing their skills and procedures for rapidly deploying larger forces.

A portion of the ARF headquarters will temporarily integrate into KFOR’s command and control structures, tasked with identifying logistical, infrastructural, and operational support needs for KFOR, particularly in the event of significant reinforcements.

The ARF's deployment, alongside the earlier announced deployment of the Strategic Reserve Force (SRF) to Kosovo, reinforces Nato’s strong commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region and underscores its readiness to respond to any situation.

JFCNP supports KFOR in implementing its mandate, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, to ensure a safe and secure environment for all communities in Kosovo and uphold freedom of movement.