Skopje, 17 July 2023 (MIA) - The Macedonian Army is modernizing intensively and comprehensively, procurement is carried out in line with requirements, and the equipment that is procured is primarily intended for our Army, its capacities, opportunities to help citizens whenever necessary, says Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska.

"All Army segments that had been neglected for a long time are being modernized. Very clear decisions were taken in 2018 on how to transform and modernize our Army. This cannot be made overnight, in a day, week, month. Good planning is required, a strategic decision on which capacities and when to be transformed. In this context, last year we finalized the agreement on procurement of an air defense system," Minister Petrovska told TV21.

An agreement for procurement of a modern artillery system was also signed last year and deliveries should be made in the coming few years, the light armored vehicles JLTV are already being delivered, 32 have already arrived, along with the communication equipment that is currently integrated in the vehicles, whereas the process of procuring eight new multifunctional helicopters is in a pre-final stage of selection.

One of the eight helicopters will be used for medical emergencies, while the rest for transport of Army members, fire extinguishing activities, rescue missions etc, i.e. needs of the Army and the citizens.

"All of this is possible because we have serious budget projections and plans, with the defense budget to reach two percent of the GDP in 2024, thus meeting the NATO criteria," says Petrovska.

Photo: Ministry of Defense