Skopje, 11 June 2026 (MIA) — Representatives from several NATO countries' armies took part in a three-day training conference on Stryker armored combat vehicles in Skopje, the Army said in a press release. 

The conference, which ended Thursday, included representatives from the United States and Bulgaria. US participants included members of the Washington National Guard, US Army Europe and Africa, the 7th Army Training Command, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the US Military Group in North Macedonia and the Office of the U.S. Defense Attaché.

The Army's General Staff director, Brigadier General Orce Jordev, opened the conference, noting that the army was focused on learning how to use the Stryker vehicles effectively and strengthening its role as a reliable NATO ally.

During the sessions, attendees reviewed national training programs and discussed ways to improve joint training. They also addressed challenges with maintaining the vehicles, shared operational experiences and evaluated the country's current training and maintenance capabilities.

At the end of the conference, participants adopted guidelines on future training, maintenance and capability development for the Stryker vehicles.

As part of the event, the country's chief of defence Major General Sasko Lafchiski met with Brigadier General Paul Sellars of the Washington National Guard. They reaffirmed their commitment to military cooperation and sharing expertise.

Organizers said the conference was an important contribution to boosting cooperation between allied armies and strengthening joint defense capabilities within NATO. mr/