Skopje, 21 December 2023 (MIA) – In an interview for this year’s edition of “The World Ahead 2024” by The Economist, Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska touched upon several development processes in defense and in the Army, especially the process of its modernization and equipping, said the Ministry of Defense in a press release Thursday.

“In the field of modernization, we saw the fruits of the work we have been doing for years – mainly by increasing the defense budget which this year represents 1.85 percent of the gross domestic product, as well as allocating one third of these funds and their investment in new and modern equipment,” said the Minister, as per the Defense Ministry.

She said the Army has acquired 32 JLTV modern armored vehicles, and this number will grow in the coming period. Agreements have also been signed for the procurement of “Stryker” armored vehicles.

“New air-defense systems are being procured from France, artillery systems from Turkey, we implemented a systemic solution for the maintenance of existing military aircraft until new helicopters are procured. Two transport helicopters are already being serviced in Czechia, and they are expected to return to North Macedonia during the first half of 2024. A process of procuring drones for the needs of the country has also been initiated,” said the Minister.

According to the Defense Ministry, in the interview Petrovska said the percentage allocated for modernization in 2024 will remain at a similar level, while the defense budget will grow to 2 percent of GDP.

“In the context of the geopolitical situation and the Russian aggression on Ukraine, the Minister shared her testimony from the visit of the country, noting that North Macedonia will continue to support Ukraine, in accordance with their requests and our abilities as defined by the General Staff,” said the Defense Ministry in the press release.

In the interview, Petrovska said the country remains committed to the strengthening of NATO’s collective security, through its participation in the multinational forces of the Alliance in Bulgaria, Romania, and Latvia, while at the same time contributing to KFOR and the EU’s mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ALTHEA.

“Next year in the Defense Ministry, projects will continue to be realized in line with the plans. The country’s defense will continue to function flawlessly, and committed and ambitious work will be done for each member of the Army and defense worker. In the next term as minister, after the 2024 elections, the successes will be even greater,” Minister Petrovska told The Economist, according to the Defense Ministry.

Photo: Defense Ministry