Daimler Truck Defence has handed over the first twelve Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 5000 vehicles to the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), marking the start of deliveries under a three-year contract signed in February 2026 with Kosovo’s Ministry of Defence.

The handover ceremony took place in Pristina in the presence of Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Minister of Defence Ejup Maqedonci and German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph, alongside representatives from government, industry and the armed forces.

The contract covers the delivery of tactical military vehicles and includes an option to procure additional vehicles in the low three-digit range. The programme aims to enhance the KSF’s mobility, operational readiness and interoperability.

The Unimog U 5000 vehicles will support transport, logistics and supply missions. Offering a payload capacity of up to five tonnes or seating for up to twelve soldiers, the vehicles are designed for demanding off-road operations.

Daniel Zittel, Chief Sales Officer of Daimler Truck Defence, said: “The handover of the first vehicles marks an important milestone in our cooperation with the KSF. It reflects the trust placed in the capabilities of our vehicles and supports the continued modernization efforts of Kosovo’s armed forces. The Unimog has proven itself worldwide under the most demanding conditions and will make a valuable contribution to the mobility and operational readiness of the KSF.”

The handover coincided with the 3rd German-Kosovar Economic Forum in Pristina, which was also attended by Daimler Truck Defence representatives. The forum brings together government and business leaders to strengthen dialogue and economic relations between Germany and Kosovo.