Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina Approves Armed Forces Modernization Package

Bosnia and Herzegovina has approved a multi-year modernisation package for its armed forces, covering helicopters, specialised vehicles, ammunition stocks, and new field uniforms as part of a broader 2025–2030 defence investment programme.

Chris Patkin

30 Dec 2025 — 2 min read

Photo by Markus Winkler

The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina has approved a comprehensive set of decisions aimed at modernizing the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, covering the acquisition of helicopters, specialized military vehicles, ammunition stocks, and new field uniforms.

Acting on proposals from the Ministry of Defence, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted a multi-year project titled “Modernization and Renewal of Weapons and Military Equipment of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, formally incorporating several defense programmes into the 2025–2030 multi-annual capital investment framework.

Specialised Vehicles to Replace Cold War–Era Platforms

One of the approved projects concerns the procurement of 46 specialised vehicles for light infantry battalion-level units. The programme has an estimated value of approximately €5.1 million, and is intended to replace ageing M113A2 armoured personnel carriers that have remained in service since the 1970s. The new vehicles are expected to significantly improve mobility, force protection, and operational effectiveness.

Helicopter Procurement Extended to 2032

The Council also approved amendments to the helicopter procurement programme for the Ministry of Defence and OSBiH. The implementation timeline has been extended from 2027 to 2032, reflecting procurement complexity and long-term funding requirements.

An additional approximately €10.2 million has been secured for the helicopter project through internal restructuring of the 2025 defence budget, reallocating funds from gross salaries and allowances to the helicopter acquisition programme.

The Ministry of Defence has classified helicopter procurement as a strategic zero-priority capability, citing the advanced age and declining reliability of existing rotary-wing assets, which pose growing risks to personnel safety and operational continuity.

Ammunition and Explosive Reserves

A separate multi-year programme valued at approximately €5.1 million was approved for the procurement of ammunition and mine-explosive ordnance to replenish OSBiH reserves. This project will also run from 2025 to 2030, strengthening long-term stockpiles and operational readiness.

New Field Uniforms for OSBiH

In parallel, the Council authorised a new field uniform procurement programme for the Armed Forces, with a total estimated value of approximately €4.4 million. Funding is structured over several years: