Skopje, 28 July 2022 (MIA) – The Ministry of Defense and the Army of North Macedonia have confirmed that third generation tanks have been donated to Ukraine. Without specifying the number of tanks donated to Ukraine, the Ministry told MIA they are incompatible for the Army and further resources would have been spent for their destruction in the coming period. North Macedonia has already donated military equipment to Ukraine on several occasions, in line with their requirements and needs and in coordination with NATO allies, said the Ministry. Based on the analysis, recommendations and plans, the Army’s tank battalion is already being dissolved, and set to be replaced by modern armored capabilities through the procurement of light armored wheeled vehicles as part of the 2019 agreement with the United States. The first six Joint Light Tactical Vehicles arrived a few days ago, which represents a serious step forward in the process of modernizing and equipping the Army in line with NATO standards, serving as support to the light infantry battalion group in Shtip, and replacing the outdated tank capacities that will not be part of the army formation. Our main goal is to establish a financially viable and sustainable defense sector, a modern and flexible army with new structure and reduced numbers, capable of conducting defense missions prescribed in the Constitution, national strategic documents and tasks arising from the NATO Strategic Concept, said the Ministry of Defense.