Shtip, 15 August 2025 (MIA) - Investment in Army modernization and in the two key corridors, Corridor 10 and Corridor 8 projects are top priorities for the government, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Friday. He attended the presentation of 29 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) at the Shtip-based army barracks, alongside US Ambassador Angela Aggeler, Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski, and Chief of the Army General Staff Sashko Lafchiski.

PM Mickoski underscored that both Corridors 10 and 8 serve, now and in the future, as key logistics routes for NATO’s southern flank, adding, “This is where Macedonia belongs, and it remains one of our primary goals and plans in the coming years.”

“Investing in the Army means both modernization and the construction of the two key corridors, Corridor 10 and Corridor 8, which will serve, now and in the future, as vital logistics for NATO’s southern flank, where Macedonia belongs. One of our main goals for the coming years is Army modernization, equipping what is needed, setting priorities, and executing them, along with upgrading and building these two important logistical corridors for NATO, particularly for the southern flank,” Mickoski said.

He pointed out that investing in and strengthening the Army means investing in lasting peace and in the defence of one’s own homeland.

“As Prime Minister, one of my top priorities has always been the security of the state, to preserve peace and stability, because these are the fundamental conditions for developing a society that can prosper and offer a future for all citizens. An inseparable part of these ambitions is the Macedonian Army,” Mickoski said.

US Ambassador Angela Aggeler in her address said that since this programme began in 2019 our efforts have delivered 67 state-of-the-art vehicles including these 29 that we welcome here today.

“These JLTVs will be the backbone of North Macedonia’s light infantry battalion group, physical manifestations of your role as steadfast NATO ally. And they embodied the United States unwavering support of North Macedonia’s defence capabilities and our shared security goals,” Aggeler said.

US Ambassador added that this summer’s NATO Summit showed the world that investment in military readiness is more than a priority it is a reality and it is a necessity.

“Today, with the addition of these vehicles to your arsenal, North Macedonia’s forces will be better prepared to meet the challenges of our collective defence today and into the future. Thirty years ago next month, the United States formally recognized this country and entered into a bilateral relationship that we so value today,” Aggeler said.

Defence Minister Vlado Misjalovski said at the presentation of the 29 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) at the Shtip-based army barracks that the Army’s capabilities are continuously being enhanced. The new 29 vehicles were acquired via a government-to-government deal, and more US-made armored vehicles are expected to be delivered.

“These vehicles here at the Shtip-based army barracks are meant for the light infantry battalion group, our declared unit, which will be ready for deployment on missions if needed,” Misajlovski noted.

He noted that 67 armored vehicles have been delivered so far, and the remaining units are expected to arrive by the end of the year. The project envisions the Macedonian Army having 96 armored vehicles in total. Misjalovski also pointed out that seven more agreements with the United States have been signed for procurement of special forces equipment, drones, cyber defence gear, light infantry weapons, and personal protection equipment.

Photo: MIA