Shtip, 18 August 2025 (MIA) - Today the Macedonian Army marks its 33rd birthday, that is 33 years of progress, 33 years of national security and the protection of the citizens, said Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski at Monday’s central ceremony marking Army Day, August 18, held at the “Jane Sandanski” barracks in Shtip.

“Today I can confirm that the pillars upon which we are building the Army and the defense forces are standing firmly. Defense spending is at a high level and it will continue to be so: we are firmly committed to strengthening our defense by fulfilling the commitments for investments in defensive resources in line with the decisions at the NATO summit in The Hague, and I want to thank the Prime Minister and the Government for their support. We are seeing the defense investments in action. The money citizens put into our defense is invested carefully and efficiently. We see the results in front of us – new light armored and engineering vehicles, the recently promoted ‘Boran’ artillery systems, and advanced equipment that demonstrates that the Macedonian Army meets NATO standards,” Misajlovski said.

The Minister noted that 29 new US-made Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) arrived last week, bringing the total number of this type of vehicles for the Macedonian Army to 67 out of 96 planned for procurement. This year, according to Misajlovski, the Army’s fleet will be reinforced with the delivery of additional Stryker armored vehicles. 

“We are acquiring infantry gear such as small-caliber weapons – automatic rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers – along with uniforms, boots, and all essential equipment to enable our personnel to perform their duties perfectly. Also included are CBRN equipment and engineering machinery. The ‘Boran’ artillery systems, purchased from allied Turkey, have now become part of the Army’s arsenal. We are also procuring advanced communication and information technology equipment, as well as cyber defense and encryption protection systems, as part of the seven agreements we signed with the US in December last year. These agreements include purchases of unmanned systems, equipment for reconnaissance and intelligence units, special forces gear, light infantry weapons, personal protection equipment, and a Joint Fire Control Kit. In addition to these agreements, there is also the procurement of the JAVELIN anti-armor combat system, which will be integrated into some of the JLTV and STRYKER armored vehicles,” Misajlovski said. 

The Defense Minister also emphasized that the project for the procurement of "Special vehicles for specific purposes" is underway, which will equip the Army with cargo and specialized motor vehicles to enhance the mobility and supply of its units. The acquisition of new helicopters is also continuing, which, he said, will significantly help during periods of wildfires across the entire territory. 

"We are also building the Army through the excellent bilateral relations with our allies. Especially with the United States, which continuously supports us with substantial financial resources. The United Kingdom has provided us with individual equipment, and with Turkey, we have signed agreements for the procurement of around 4,000 sets of combat uniforms expected to arrive as early as September. Additionally, we are in the process of acquiring approximately 3,400 pairs of boots and 1,800 sets of combat uniforms. With support of around EUR 38 million from the European Peace Facility, we have signed contracts for the procurement of medical vehicles, engineering machines, bulldozers, spreaders, patient simulators, demining suits, a robot for destroying unexploded ordnance, towing trains, generators, and other equipment," Misajlovski added. 

Misajlovski also underscored that the Ministry of Defense hosts the only NATO-accredited center in the country – the Regional Public Affairs Center – which, he said, is unique within the allied network of training centers as the only one fully dedicated to the development of this important field. 

The Minister added that the recruitment of 300 new professional soldiers is in its final phase. 

"I am especially pleased that today we are joined by our new leaders, twenty-six newly commissioned second lieutenants who, after four years of education at the Military Academy, have already begun their journey in the ranks of the Army as officers. They are our future. Also with us are some of the 149 new non-commissioned officers who responded to the call and who will strengthen the essential segment of the Army, the NCO corps," Misajlovski said. 

In his address to the members of the Army, the Defense Minister stressed that caring for human resources is the foundation of every well-organized military.

Photo: Defense Ministry