Skopje, 22 December 2025 (MIA) - Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski told an annual briefing with accredited defense attaches on Monday that 2026 will be a year of intensified modernization and strengthening of defense capabilities, while adding that the outgoing year saw progress in the Army's interoperability, training and equipment.

"In 2026, we have a clear goal - a modern, functional, resilient defense system that is fully aligned with the deterrence efforts in the context of collective defense, crisis management and cooperative security," said Minister Misajlovski.

He said stable financing, modernization and staff management remain the three pillars of the country's defense policy.

"The three priorities I spoke of by the end of last year and on which the defense rests - stable budgeting, additional incentives in the modernization process, and observance and promotion of rights and obligations of the staff - are the priorities that could be seen in each step we made in 2025. These are the pillars upon which we will continue to build the defense and the Army in 2026," noted Misajlovski.

This focus, he added, is supported by the defense budget increase of 8.4 percent to a total of EUR 358 million, of which EUR 116 million to be invested in modernization.

"This annual increase of EUR 27.7 million guarantees an even stronger development and a more sophisticated Army that has stronger capabilities for national and collective security," said Misajlovski.

The Defense Minister said modernization would focus on raising the standards, mobility, fire support, communication systems and personal protection of every army member.

"Our troops deserve this. They have shown to be true professionals, dedicated to the service and our fundamental goal - a safe country, a stable region and strong collective defense," said Misajlovski.

He recalled on 2025 as the year of record number of military exercises, which have significantly improved the Army's operational capabilities.

"In 2026, we will continue to provide our contribution in peacekeeping missions and operations, as well as NATO's multinational forces. We maintain our presence in Kosovo's KFOR, EUFOR-ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNIFIL in Lebanon, and the multinational NATO forces in Latvia, Romania and Bulgaria," said Misajlovski.

Army Chief of Staff, Major-General Sashko Lafchiski, said the contribution of defense attaches is key to partnership development.

"Through regular dialogue, coordinated activities and training initiatives, we have accomplished concrete results that strengthened our defense capabilities and interoperability," said General Lafchiski.

He underlined that the partnership not only strengthens professional ties but also creates mutual respect and trust, which are needed for a stable security environment.

On the event sidelines, Minister Misajlovski told reporters that the country has no plans to send troops in Ukraine, noting such a decision has not been even discussed.

"This is not part of our plans. As I have said on many occasions, the Macedonian Army will not be deployed to Ukrainian territory. We are focused on our modernization efforts and our commitments. Of course, as part of a big alliance, we assist in any way possible, but such a decision has not been even discussed," said Misajlovski.

He said the domestic defense industry continues to develop through new cooperation projects with international partners.

"There are companies that want to cooperate with international partners on various projects. The Ministry is here to help. The companies will provide an update on their activities in the course of next year," said Misajlovski.

Photo: MIA