Kosovo has signed a contract with AM General to acquire artillery-mounted HUMVEEs equipped with the Hawkeye 105-millimeter soft recoil howitzer, marking a major step in modernizing the country’s land combat capabilities. The Hawkeye system, based on the M20 cannon, offers rapid deployability, allowing crews to arm or disarm the weapon in under 90 seconds. With 360-degree firing coverage, a rate of fire of up to eight rounds per minute, and a maximum range of 20 kilometers, the system provides Kosovo’s forces with enhanced mobility and firepower. In addition to the artillery vehicles, the contract includes medical evacuation platforms, command-and-control trucks, spare parts, sustainment services, and training support. Deliveries are expected between 2026 and 2027, supporting the Kosovo Security Force’s transition toward more capable and flexible ground units. AM General noted that this agreement represents the first international sale of the HUMVEE Hawkeye system. Originally introduced as a testbed in 2016, the platform later saw simulated operational use and made its combat debut with Ukrainian forces in 2024. The Kosovo deal highlights growing interest in highly mobile artillery solutions that combine speed, survivability, and precision.
