Shtip, 18 August 2025 (MIA) - Following independence in 1991, the Macedonian Army has served the state and its citizens as a guarantor of peace and defence, through continuous comprehensive reform, assistance in handling crises and emergencies, and support to civilian institutions in responding to natural disasters such as fires and floods. The Army still carries out its duties with professionalism, responsibility, and commitment and proof of this is the ongoing high level of public trust, said President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova during Monday’s central ceremony marking Army Day, August 18, held at the Shtip-based barracks.

As Siljanovska-Davkova noted, over three decades the Army has been writing its story as a true guardian of the homeland.

“The vision of the General Staff, the operations of the Operations Command, the expertise of the Training and Doctrine Command, the support of the Logistic Base, and the honor of the Honor Battalion are present in every aspect of the Army’s work. Our Army is a pillar of stability and peace,” she noted.

She urged the relevant institutions to consider long-term projects that will ensure the self-sustainability and development of defense, not only in peacetime but also in an environment of military threat and potential conflict.

According to Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski, the Army today marks 33 years of progress, 33 years of national security, and the protection of its citizens.

“For what we are today – an organized, highly professional, and exceptionally respected Army – I want to thank all the men and women in uniform and all employees in defence. You embody the centuries-long pursuit of independence and sovereignty, because the responsibility for a sovereign Macedonia rests with you. You have given and continue to give your all to ensure the Army and defense keep moving forward, and I respect and value that. As the Minister of Defence, I have the privilege for the second time to extend my congratulations on this day. I can confirm that the foundations of our Army and defence forces are strong. Defence funding is robust and will remain so. We are fully dedicated to enhancing our defence capabilities by implementing investment commitments in line with the NATO Summit decisions in The Hague, and I wish to thank the Prime Minister and the Government for their full support,” Misajlovski said.

He emphasized that investments in defence are visible in practice.

“The money citizens put into our defence 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. Last week, 29 more new US-made Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) arrived, bringing the total number of this type of vehicles for the Macedonian Army to 67 out of 96 planned for procurement. This year, 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 since 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," Misjalovski stated.

Misjalovski also noted that the recruitment of 300 new professional soldiers is in its final stage.

Chief of the General Staff Major General Sashko Lafchiski, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi, MPs, ministers, former defence ministers and general staff chiefs, representatives of the Veterans’ Association, and members of the diplomatic corps also addressed the event.

During the ceremony, the 26 newly commissioned lieutenant colonels and 149 non-commissioned officers were formally promoted.

President Siljanovska-Davkova decorated the Cadet and Officer Training Center, which is part of Training and Doctrine Command with the “Order of Military Merit.”

Photo: screenshot