Skopje, 29 January 2026 (MIA) - Our Army is compatible, our Army is comparable, and our Army is respected both at home and abroad, said President and Commander-in-Chief Gordana Siljanovska Davkova who was briefed Thursday over the Army's combat readiness in 2025. Praising the Army, she added that it deserves further understanding and support from the Government, and from all of us, noting that it certainly has her support. 

Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski, Army Chief of Staff, Major-General Sashko Lafchiski, Army generals and other officials also attended Thursday's briefing.

Siljanovska Davkova pointed out that the detailed briefing was no coincidence, but rather expressed the seriousness of the Army, with the comprehensive outline reaffirming the Army's highest reputation in the country.

As Commander-in-Chief, she pointed out that she gained a full insight into the Army's combat readiness, stressing that it is beyond dispute that the Army is indeed compatible and comparable with all armies. The President noted that the Army's steadfast reliability among partners is seen through participation in international missions and large-scale exercises, adding that this year there were 2,000 participants at the Krivolak army field.

As a particularly critical takeaway from today's briefing, Siljanovska Davkova also highlighted the strength of military diplomacy, adding that there is no mission in which the Army has not been assessed as outstanding, not only regionally but also more broadly. She pointed to the excellent cooperation with the army structures of Greece and Bulgaria as an example of effective military diplomacy.

As regards defence spending, the President highlighted extraordinary planning and a qualitative and strategic framework.

"Of course, I was interested in the budget allocations because they are very important, but I see extraordinary planning here. A qualitative framework, this is a strategic framework, but the qualitative goals are greater than the quantitative goals, which means that we can expect steps forward," the President noted. 

In the context of partnerships, Siljanovska Davkova said it has become clear why the country is a respected strategic partner of the United States, pointing out that most of the activities are with the United States, but just as many activities are with the EU partners.

Commenting on the representation of women in the Army, the President pointed out that their participation is almost 24 percent and that the goal is to reach 30 percent. She noted that representation is higher in the officer corps than in the non-commissioned officers, adding that an increase in the non-commissioned officers contingent is necessary. She announced her commitment to establishing a "national centre for excellence of women in the Army", which could also grow into a regional centre.

The Army Chief of Staff, Major-General Sashko Lafchiski, held the briefing, updating the President on the completed tasks and achievements of the Army in 2025 in terms of personnel, training and exercises, equipment and infrastructure, military planning and force structure, modernization and equipping, as well as budget and finances.

According to the Army General Staff, Lafchiski stressed that the Army is fully prepared to deliver its constitutional role - defence of the Republic, protection of territorial integrity and independence, and fulfilment of national and international commitments, including contribution to collective defence, international operations, and protection of national interests.

In addition, Lafchiski said the Army has successfully implemented all planned and assigned tasks in the past year, underlining the high level of readiness of the members, progress in terms of modernization and equipment, as well as the significant role of Macedonian peacekeepers in strengthening regional and global security.

According to Lafchiski, combat readiness is at the required level and that the Army will continue to improve it through implementation of the modernization and equipment plan, continuous training and exercises at home and abroad, as well as through implementation of the 2025 capability goals package, which is one of the priorities within NATO.

Photo: MIA