Shtip, 9 March 2026 (MIA) – We are a NATO member and we stand with our allies, Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski said Monday in response to a reporter's question about the situation in the Middle East and whether the Army is purchasing military equipment and weapons.

"We are a NATO member state and we stand with our allies. We will do our best to be ready. We are constantly purchasing new weapons. In a few days you will see the new Strykers that have arrived in the country. In parallel, we expect additional firepower to arrive from several countries, we are nearing the end of the agreement with France, we are expecting the Mistral missiles, and the howitzers have arrived in Macedonia. The first helicopter is to arrive as well. These are really serious investments," said Misajlovski during Monday's visit to Shtip.

Minister Misajlovski announced major investments in the future, adding that a lot of funds will be allocated for defence in the next ten years. He also announced a new multi-year Army procurement plan. 

"We are talking about millions and billions that we need to allocate as Ministry of Defence, as direct new investments in the Army," Misajlovski said. 

Photo: MIA