Filipche: NATO membership strengthened the state's stability

SDSM leader Venko Filipche used his Facebook page to congratulate the Army on 18 August, stressing that the armed forces remain a fundamental pillar of national security and stability.

In his post Filipche wrote: "I am proud that I was part of the Government of SDSM, which through correct statesmanlike policies enabled the country to become part of the most powerful military alliance NATO, which is a historic success for our country. With membership in NATO we secured the country's security and territorial integrity, and our soldiers, together with troops from member states, operate according to the Alliance's standards, provide assistance to citizens during natural disasters and participate in all international peacekeeping missions."

Messages at the central ceremony in Ohrid

The central celebration for Army Day on 18 August was held in Ohrid, where official speeches focused on new security challenges: hybrid and cyber threats, the need for modern armament and equipment, and the country’s contributions within NATO.

President and commander-in-chief Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova warned that modern defence must look ahead rather than merely react. "Modern defence must anticipate threats, not only react to them," she said on Army Day, calling for the development of capacities and national resilience.

Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski told attendees that the Army’s modernization is proceeding according to plan and listed ongoing procurements: artillery systems, air‑defence means, unmanned aerial systems, anti‑armor systems, cyber‑protection equipment, air‑support assets and communications systems. Misajlovski also announced that the Army will receive two new helicopters by the end of the year.

On the eve of the celebration, the artillery battalion at the Ilinden barracks in Skopje fired a ceremonial salute of ten volleys from six artillery pieces. The date 18 August was chosen as Army Day because on that day in 1943 the Mirche Acev battalion was formed on Slavej Mountain — regarded as the first organised wartime formation of the National Liberation Struggle in Macedonia. The process of creating the modern Macedonian Army began in 1992, when then‑President Kiro Gligorov and JNA leadership signed the agreement on relocation of federal forces. North Macedonia became a full NATO member in March 2020.

Photo: press material from the event