In the face of ongoing challenges posed by external interference in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s domestic affairs (e.g. in its electoral and decision-making processes), particularly from Serbia and Croatia, the defense and deterrence capabilities of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Armed Forces, as the only legal and legitimate military force in the country, have once again become an urgent question.

In the aftermath of the Bosnian Genocide, the United States played a crucial role in implementing the Dayton Agreement, which established the framework for post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tens of thousands of American troops were part of the NATO-led Implementation Force (IFOR) and later the Stabilization Force (SFOR), contributing to vital peacekeeping and stability operations as the country navigated the tenuous post-war years.

Since the intervention, the United States has maintained active involvement, aiding Bosnia and Herzegovina in revitalizing its defense and security sectors. The U.S. played a crucial role in beginning the process of military modernization and ensuring its capability to respond to the country’s security challenges and to contribute to global peace and security.

The strategic interests of the United States in the Western Balkans are more secure when Bosnia and Herzegovina is a robust and self-reliant ally able to protect itself, by itself.

USABIH urges American policymakers to:

• Continue Equipment Support
  • The United States should continue the procurement of Foreign Military Sale (FMS) program equipment that is essential for the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH AF), including but not limited to helicopters, high mobility armored vehicles, offensive and defensive counter-air (OCA/DCA) air superiority systems/weapons, anti-armor weapons, night vision devices, etc. in order to enhance Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defensive capabilities in a fast-evolving security environment.

• Sustain Training Initiatives
  • The United States should maintain and deepen its commitment to comprehensive training programs aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina which also includes participation of the members and units of BH AF in joint bilateral and multilateral military exercises in the country and abroad.

• Provide Annual Security Assistance
  • An annual security assistance framework should be instituted to ensure consistent support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defense. A five-year pilot program, for instance, would allow the Bosnian Armed Forces to rapidly modernize its force posture and equipment.

• Support BiH’s NATO Membership
  • The United States should continue actively supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s NATO membership path by working with NATO allies to prepare the political ground for BiH’s accession within the next decade. In the interim, the U.S. should encourage bilateral security agreements between Bosnia and Herzegovina and individual NATO allies and advocate for joint deployments with the BH AF in Peace Support Operations.