Skopje, 14 April 2026 (MIA) – Nearly 1,500 army members, with the support of NATO monitors, will take part in the field training exercise Flash 26, due on April 19-27 at the Krivolak military training ground and at various sites across the country.

Flash 26 is considered a key phase in evaluating the Light Infantry Battalion Group (LIBG), being a NATO-declared unit, the Chief of the Army General Staff, Major General Sasho Lafchiski, said Tuesday. 

“One of the key aspects is to check the command-and-control system so as to identify ways to further improve it to function more efficiently,” he told today’s press briefing. 

The exercise, he added, is a resumption of the Macedonian Flash serial aimed at demonstrating combat readiness, tactical training and interoperability of the unit in line with NATO’s strict standards. 

Exercise director, Colonel Igor Arsovski said a NATO-certified national team will be in charge of the evaluation process, which will undergo under NATO monitors and observers from the Multinational Land Force (MLF). 

“The exercise will take place under controlled conditions, including clearly defined fictive scenarios and OPFOR (Opposing Force) to allow realistic check of command, logistical support and operational capabilities of the Light Infantry Battalion Group,” said Arsovski.

During the exercise, modern military equipment and weapons at the disposal of the Army will be used, including JLTV armored vehicles equipped with remote control systems, Mi-8/17 transport helicopters, artillery, including 105 mm BORAN and M2A1 howitzers, as well as 120 mm mortars, specialized Husky 1 and 2 engineering vehicles for detecting and neutralizing explosive devices, unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance and surveillance.

The main activities will take place at Krivolak training ground while others will be held at the military barracks in Shtip, Prilep and Petrovec. 

The exercise will be formally opened on April 20. The VIP Day, which will close the exercise, is set for April 27.

The complex exercise has been prepared for eight months, including a series of conferences and workshops, it was noted at the briefing, in order to secure full coordination, precise planning and fulfilment of military goals as well as further improvement of interoperability with NATO partners. 

Photo: MIA