Skopje, 23 May 2023 (MIA) - The Ministry of Defense said Tuesday a decision has been made to involve the Italian aviation in the North Macedonia air policing operations, as part of NATO's south wing.

The technical engagement between the two countries will be drafted and signed in the coming period. Italy will join Greece in the air policing operations, in coordination with the NATO Combined Air Operations Centre in Torrejón, Spain, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release.

North Macedonia signed the first air policing engagement with the Hellenic Republic in 2019.

Air policing is part of NATO's defense mission in maintaining the peace, stability and security of Macedonian citizens. It involves the use of a monitoring and control system, air defense capabilities and interception aircraft, towards preserving the integration of the national airspace.