Skopje, 17 December 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Defence Vlado Misajlovski said modernization of the Army continues full steam ahead, adding that the largest part of the 2026 defence budget, which stands at EUR 358 million, is intended for that purpose, i.e. EUR 27.7 million more than the 2025 budget.

"As regards modernization, we have signed many agreements, successfully wrapping up all of them. The howitzers have been delivered, this is a very important agreement with Türkiye, some of the missiles remain to be delivered next year. We have also completed the process with our strategic partner, the United States, with the last shipment of JLTV vehicles received, and we already have 96 light armoured vehicles for the needs of our battalion group, while all the STRYKER armoured vehicles are to arrive next year," Misajlovski told Telma TV's "Top Tema" on Wednesday. 

He said the first delivery of Mistral missiles is expected in the first quarter of 2026, in line with the agreement with France, and two helicopters are also expected to arrive as part of the agreement with Italian company Leonardo.

"Since we have new capability goals, with the new budget, we need to move forward on all processes for new equipment for the entire Army," said Misjalovski.

A new government-to-government agreement has also been made with the United States, under which USD 3.5 million will be allocated for additional spare parts needed for all US-made vehicles. This will enable the commissioning of many of the old vehicles. Several agreements worth over EUR 20 million will also be implemented, enabling joint simulation exercises with all NATO countries, and a new crypto protection centre worth over EUR 6 million will be built, as well as new radio devices for all operations and missions, Misajlovski said among other.  

According to him, the largest part of the 2026 budget will be allocated for modernization of the Army.

"Next year's budget stands at EUR 358 million - the largest historical budget, i.e. EUR 27.7 million more than this year's budget. But the most important thing is that the largest part of this percentage will go to capital expenditures, i.e. modernization. NATO requires 20 percent, we will invest over 32 percent. Together with the infrastructure that we are working on, it is over 47 percent. That is a serious amount directly for projects and modernization," said Misajlovski. 

He added that most countries, primarily the United States, require that weapons be purchased from them. "As a strategic partner, we absolutely support purchasing weapons, of course, from the United States. We have signed many agreements, but we also conduct many joint exercises, and we will continue to do so. On the other hand, we have Ukraine, a special initiative that was supported by most countries, and our country too, of course, but also many bilateral agreements," Misajlovski said, pointing out that in parallel with the new capability goals, the infrastructure must also be improved.

In addition, Misajlovski said the process for hiring 300 new professional soldiers has been completed today, regarding which they will receive notification. He assured that the Ministry of Defence fully respects the Collective Agreement, which, he noted, has many privileges, at a higher level and the wages are serious.

"I will work with the unions to improve each segment. I would like all employees to retain their rights. My obligation is to provide budget, there will be funds and everything will be paid regularly, and thus the funds for lawsuits will be reduced, regarding which EUR 20 million have been paid in recent years," Defence Minister Misajlovski said. 

Photo: print screen