KFOR: NATO’s new ARF on first deployment

“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),” a press release said.

It said that a 50 strong contingent of the ARF’s Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team (OLRT) will deploy to Kosovo with aforward command node of around 150 personnel in North Macedonia for training intended to maintain their high level of readiness and 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,” it added.

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,” the press release said.