Skopje, 29 March 2024 (MIA) - The Italian Air Force officially joined NATO's Air Policing Mission over Macedonian skies as Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto signed a technical agreement in Skopje on Friday. 

Minister Petrovska said the decision had been made and the Ministry informed about it in the middle of last year, noting that it represents an act of alliance and unity.

"Italian and Greek military aircraft in coordination with the Macedonian military aviation ensure the safety of the skies over the Republic of North Macedonia. We have built a real alliance and developed strong cooperation, and the fact that Italian aircraft will guarantee the safety of our airspace shows complete mutual trust. In the days when we are celebrating the fourth anniversary of North Macedonia's NATO membership and the 75th anniversary of the Alliance, there is no better example of unity and collective defence than today's signing of this agreement and the official joining of Italy in this mission. This system is one of the key advantages resulting from NATO membership. Italian and Greek aircraft coordinated by the national capacity, organized by NATO's Allied Air Command, and under the tactical control of the Combined Air Operations Centre in Torrejón, Spain. This is unity, an alliance that benefits 32 sovereign countries and over one billion people in the world," said Petrovska. 

Italian Defence Minister Crosetto said it was an honour to be here today and sign a "historic agreement" with North Macedonia.

"Italy together with Greece takes the responsibility to protect the skies over North Macedonia and this shows more than words how important NATO alliance is, because being an ally means making your defence forces available to defend other countries when they need it. It is an honour for Italy to work in this direction because it has the trust of North Macedonia," Crosetto pointed out. 

In addition, eight helicopters manufactured by Italian company ‘Leonardo’ will be procured for the needs of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia. The helicopters will cost EUR 230 million and will be paid for in four instalments, with the first instalment, amounting to 16 percent of the total cost, to be paid out in 2024. The selection has been carried out in line with the Long-Term Defence Capabilities Development Plan 2023-2032, and the Army’s plan for the restoration of its aviation.

"With the purchase of the new helicopters, there will be a significant modernization of the aviation component and an increase in the capabilities to perform missions both for the needs of the Army and for the support of other civil institutions of our country. Investing in the Army is investing in the future of our country, and that is why we will continue with this intensity," Minister Petrovska previously said. 

The first helicopter is set to be delivered during the second half of 2026, with the delivery of all helicopters expected to be finished by 2028.

Photo: MIA