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Cabinet officials

Bosnia and Herzegovina Enhances Military Capabilities with Foreign Defense Partnerships

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

At the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF-2025) in Istanbul, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, Zukan Helez, met with representatives of major defense companies to discuss procurement agreements and cooperation opportunities. The meetings resulted in significant agreements for the acquisition of advanced military equipment, including air defense systems, anti-tank systems, helicopters, and drones, aimed at bolstering the country's military capabilities and achieving interoperability with NATO forces.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina will receive state-of-the-art Sungur and Hisar air defense systems, Umtas and Omtas anti-tank systems, AW-119 Kx helicopters, and Bayraktar TB2 drones, valued at around 217 million BAM (approximately 110 million USD).
  • The agreements aim to enhance the country's air defense and anti-tank combat capacities, allowing for greater efficiency in participating in regional and NATO military exercises.
  • The total value of the procurement agreements is estimated at around 317 million BAM (approximately 160 million USD), the most significant investment in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina since their establishment.
  • Minister Helez expressed gratitude for the donation of the KANGAL anti-drone system by ASELSAN and the provision of 400 handheld radio stations through the DCBI project.
  • The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina will receive training on the use of the new equipment, including pilot and technical personnel training for the AW-119 Kx helicopters.
  • The procurement agreements are part of the country's efforts to strengthen its military capabilities and achieve full NATO membership.

Statistics:

  • The total value of the procurement agreements is estimated at around 317 million BAM (approximately 160 million USD).
  • The air defense and anti-tank systems valued at over 173 million BAM (approximately 87 million USD) represent the single largest investment in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina since their establishment.
  • The acquisition of the AW-119 Kx helicopters for the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina is estimated to be valued at around 173 million BAM (approximately 87 million USD).
  • The value of the donation of the KANGAL anti-drone system by ASELSAN is not specified in the provided text.

Sources:

  • Trend News Agency, Baku -- 24 Jul 2025
  • Bosnian Defense Ministry

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