Today (3 July) at the "Ilinden" barracks in Skopje, in the presence of Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, the Minister of Defence Vlado Misajlovski, the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, and the Ambassador of the European Union, Michalis Rokas, a methodical demonstration exercise was carried out followed by a display of the tactical and technical equipment, purchased through the European Peace Facility.
At the event, Prime Minister Mickoski said that the Government's priority is to continue investing in the Macedonian Army, in order for it to remain competitive. He thanked the European Union for recognizing the quality of the Macedonian Army, as well as Ambassador Rokas for his personal dedication in the implementation of the procurement and delivery processes of the equipment.
"It only remains for me to express my appreciation to the ambassador for his personal dedication, to the European Union for donating and recognizing the Macedonian Army quality, dedication as an army that is an integral part of the NATO alliance. I would also like to express my appreciation to my colleague from the Government, the Minister of Defence, the Deputy, the people from the Ministry for their dedicated work. Of course, I want to take this opportunity to highlight the work of the Chief of the General Staff and to thank him for his tireless work and dedication so that our Army can look like this, to be competitive, to be prepared," said Mickoski and at the same time expressed his appreciation to all members of the Macedonian Army.
Minister Misajlovski highlighted the exceptional cooperation with the European Union and the EU Delegation to our country, which contributed to making this procurement, which is of particular importance for strengthening defence capacities, a reality for the Macedonian Army.
"Behind me you can see the first package of equipment that has arrived [for which] we are constantly working. I hope that in the coming period we will announce additional packages that will include additional equipment," said the minister.
The Minister clarified that this is a full grant - direct funds from the European Union and added that it is the result of our Common European Security Policy, our relationship, participation in EU operations and constant communication.
The European Union Ambassador to the country, Michalis Rokas, stressed that security is an essential part of the European partnership, especially considering that in 2024 we signed a partnership on security and defence. “We see the results and we see how this partnership not only brings with it new equipment, but also incorporates training. We see excellent simulated exercises by the forces,” underlined Ambassador Rokas.
With the support of the European Peace Facility, equipment worth over 40 million euros has been purchased, segmented into three packages, of which the equipment from the first package and part of the equipment from the second package have arrived in the country. This includes equipment of various types - radars, thermal cameras, transport vehicles, simulators, 3D radar and portable sensors, while the third package will include equipment for logistics and communication and infantry units.
