Army of North Macedonia hailed as a factor of stability, Siljanovska‑Davkova says

At a ceremony in Ohrid marking Army Day, President and Supreme Commander Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova praised the Army of North Macedonia as a highly organized formation with professional integrity, operational credibility and strong interoperability with allied forces.

Siljanovska‑Davkova recounted the Army's historical development, from the formation of the Mirche Acev battalion in 1943 to the country's accession to NATO, and underlined that the national armed forces have become a factor of stability, security and trust.

Addressing contemporary threats, she warned that modern defence must be ready to face new forms of danger, including the cyber domain and artificial intelligence. She added: "I firmly believe that the more secure our own defensive posture is, the more substantial our contribution to collective security. That is why strengthening our own capacities is the right way to consolidate our position in the alliance as a serious and credible member that can be trusted and relied upon," Gordana Siljanovska‑Davkova said.

Modernization, equipment and personnel

Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski told the gathering that the Army's modernization is proceeding according to plan. He listed recent deliveries and systems already in service: JLTV armoured vehicles and Stryker vehicles, Boran artillery systems, and most elements of the Mistral 3 air-defence systems. He also said the first two new helicopters are expected before the end of the year.

Misajlovski announced a new legal measure for professional soldiers who have reached 45 years of age and confirmed planned salary increases from next year. He said that, alongside procurement, the government is investing in barracks infrastructure, with projects foreseen totaling more than 12 million euros.

Chief of the General Staff Major General Sashko Lafchiski described the past year as exceptionally successful, pointing to the Army's operational maturity and readiness to meet modern security challenges. He highlighted the successful conduct of exercise "Blesok 26" and the positive assessment of the Light Infantry Battalion Group — evidence, he said, of achieved capabilities and professionalism. "Attaining the status 'combat ready' is not merely a formal recognition. It is confirmation that behind that result stand thousands of hours of training, planning, preparations, exercises, sacrifices and professional dedication," Sashko Lafchiski said. The ceremony also included awards and recognitions for units, institutions and service members for their contribution to defence capabilities and mission fulfilment.

Photo: printskrin / ARM / Fejsbuk