The state leadership congratulates the demonstrated professionalism and capabilities on the Day for High-ranking Guests of the "BLESOK 26[FLASH 26]" exercise

Today (27 April), at the Krivolak military training area, in the presence of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Minister of Defence Vlado Misajlovski, Chief of the General Staff Major General Sashko Lafchiski, and senior NATO representatives, the distinguished visitors Day of the "Blesok 26[Flash 26]" exercise was held.

In her address, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said that "our Army is a factor of stability and a guardian of global peace", pointing to the fact that at present more than 180 members of the Army, under the Macedonian flag, are involved in peacekeeping missions and operations. Siljanovska-Davkova added that "the strength of a modern Army is not measured only by the equipment it possesses, but also by the meritocracy in recruitment and promotion, constant professional development and dignified living and working conditions for people in uniform".

"Exercise Blesok 26 [Flash 26] is an encouraging and inspiring confirmation that the Macedonian Army understands the nature of the times we live in and is seriously preparing to face the challenges it brings," said the President.

After the demonstration exercise, Minister Misajlovski noted that those present "witnessed not only a demonstration of capabilities, but also discipline, precision and exceptional professionalism", indicating that the "combat-ready" rating is a result of the motivation and capabilities of the army members, as well as the intensive process of modernization and equipping of the Macedonian Army.

"The Macedonian Army is taking a historic step forward in terms of its capacities. We operate with new, sophisticated equipment, like any other NATO army. Our members are on the same level as the rest of the Alliance. We have full interoperability, which allows us to jointly defend what we hold most sacred, which is our freedom, our homeland, and our democracy. Let us defend our values ​​that are rooted in Macedonian society," stressed the Minister.

Misajlovski congratulated all army members involved in the organization and implementation of this exercise, which he said was extremely complex considering that over 1,500 army members worked on a fictitious scenario with 25 events and over 100 incidents.

General Lafchiski, in turn, emphasized that the success was the result of a clear strategic direction and hard work, as well as the sustainable and systematic process of planning, preparation, training, equipping and modernization, implemented in accordance with the highest NATO standards.

Rear Admiral Thorsten Marks, the Chief of J-9 at the NATO Joint Force Command in Naples, also addressed the attendants, emphasizing that our country is a strong and reliable NATO ally.

"Since joining NATO in 2020, you have significantly improved your defence posture. You invest over 2 percent of GDP in defence and contribute to NATO missions, including KFOR and NATO battle groups. This shows true commitment to the Alliance and our common security, evaluating units according to NATO standards," said Rear Admiral Marks.

Exercise "Blesok 26 [Flash 26]" is a continuation of the series of exercises "Makedonski Blesok [Macedonian Flash]". This exercise, in which over 1,500 members of the Army took part, also included an evaluation of the NATO capability target - Light Infantry Battalion Group (LIBG), during which the assessment team and NATO monitors awarded the unit the status of "combat-ready to carry out its mission". With the assessment, the LIBG confirmed its training, high combat readiness and interoperability with allies.