Skopje, 11 November 2024 (MIA) - Addressing an expert forum on the functionality of the defense and protection system, held at the House of the Army on Monday, Minister of Defense Vlado Misajlovski reaffirmed the three main goals for the defense - stepping up the reform agenda, including Army modernization, fully observing the Ministry's obligations to employees and members of the Army, and stable defense budget as a basis for development, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release.  

"The modernization process is proceeding as planned. We are implementing truly significant projects whereby new, modern, sophisticated equipment in accordance with the highest NATO standards becomes our reality," said Misajlovski. 

He mentioned modernization projects including on the procurement of JLTV and Stryker light armored vehicles, the Mistral 3 air defense system, artillery equipment, maintenance of the existing helicopter fleet as well as procurement of new helicopters for the Army.

The Minister also mentioned the employees of the Army and the defense, noting that they are professionals who lead the most serious processes in the country, and are the first on the ground providing support to every Macedonian citizen.

All this is reality, Misajlovski added, because the budget is stable and showing an upward trend. He announced that the defense budget will grow in 2025, i.e.exceed the target of 2% of GDP.  

As regards reform of the protection and rescue system, Minister Misajlovski said the defense is ready to provide full support in such reforms.

"Citizens expect an efficient, swift and reliable integrated system for protection and rescue and crisis management. The wildfires we faced last summer were a proof that we must change something, right now, immediately. We need to detect the weaknesses of the system and jointly show that we know how to put the needs of every single citizen first," the Minister pointed out. 

The forum is organized by the Generals' Club, whose members include active and retired generals with experience gained through decades of work in the defense system. Speakers also included eminent professors and experts in the security field. 

Photo: Ministry of Defense