North Macedonia announces military modernization and defense industry goals

North Macedonian Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski has announced a period of military modernization focused on enhancing the country's combat capabilities and domestic defense industry. Key initiatives include the procurement of new air defense systems and drones. Misajlovski expressed interest in collaborating with local companies to produce drones, aiming to ensure that a portion of the defense budget remains within the national economy to foster a domestic military industry.

The Minister noted that 16 new contracts have been signed with the United States for various equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles and software. Additionally, the arrival of new military vehicles, striker systems, and Leonardo helicopters is expected, with all eight helicopters slated to arrive in the coming years.

Former Defense Minister and Ambassador Lazar Elenovski emphasized the need for North Macedonia to invest progressively in its own layered air defense. He argued that while NATO membership provides security, the country must develop national capacities, particularly in air defense, logistics, and human resources, to adapt to rapid technological changes in modern warfare.