Skopje, 4 September 2022 (MIA) – There is no specific threat of an attack on our country at this time but defense investments are part of the strategic defense review and a long-term planning process, said Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska on Sunday. Minister Petrovska was quizzed about the announcement over the procurement of an air defense system from France, saying it would replace the existing one and adding it is a project that was launched several years ago. “This is the finalization of the agreement following several years of negotiations with various manufacturers and evaluation of the equipment by Army experts, and the final document was presented before the Parliament’s Defense and Security Committee on Friday,” Petrovska told a press briefing. The total financial implications of the agreement amount to EUR 66 million, to be paid over a period of four years. “Defense investments should be continued, in order to protect the national and state interests,” said Petrovska. The Ministry of Defense has said the system aims at improving the Army’s combat readiness system to meet the main task for defending the independence and territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. To that end, the Defense Ministry will procure a modern air defense system through an agreement that is due to be signed with France’s Ministry of Armed Forces. It involves years-long procurement of a short range air defense system that is to advance the Army’s combat readiness according to the Army Modernization Plan. Being a NATO member, the security of our skies is guaranteed by the allied air forces and the procurement of the air defense system is complementary in the overall defense system of the country, said the press release. In the past two decades, it added, no air defense system was procured, which is vital to support and protect army members, to protect the institutions and to boost the security and safety of the citizens of North Macedonia.