English
The Macedonian Army is going through an intensive period of modernization, huge funds are being allocated, and the state is giving as much as it can within the framework of the possibilities to modernize the Army, which includes the procurement of modern military equipment, systemic reforms and a new union agreement, said Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski in an interview on TV Kanal 5 today.
Regarding the living standard of soldiers and other ministry employees, the minister announced an increase in salaries with the beginning of next year and a resolution on the issues of professional soldiers with their post-military careers.
From January 1, everyone will be satisfied, we are providing funds in the new budget to increase salaries in the Army. I expect to have a revised text of the agreement with all unions next week. Every soldier who turns 45 will have the opportunity to stay in the Ministry of Defense, to leave for another public institution in the country or to receive severance pay, Misajlovski said.
He emphasized that all major modernization contracts are being implemented in parallel, including the purchase of helicopters from the Italian company Leonardo. “Two craft should arrive by the end of the year, two more next year, and all eight aircraft should arrive by the end of the contract. When I came to the Ministry, there was only one helicopter in service, and now we are putting the third into operation. After ten years of neglect, we are also renovating the pilot training center in Petrovec, where we will produce new pilot and technical personnel through new departments at the Military Academy, Misajlovski emphasized.
Misajlovski stressed that the United States remains the country’s first strategic partner, with which the largest number of contracts, grants and military trainings are realized. Asked how we will respond to the recent letter of US President Donald Trump, which was sent to all NATO member states with requests for various support, Misajlovski stated that “the United States is the largest partner and supporter and we will respond accordingly”.
We are on the side of NATO. We absolutely are in that family and we must talk to all our allies. I must emphasize that the largest number of contracts, both since I became a minister that have been signed, but also before, are with the United States. And we receive the most grants and the most training and most exercises from the United States and of course they are our first strategic partner. Yes, there have been several questionnaires submitted regarding the developments with everything that America has on the ground at this moment, and perhaps the reduction of the number of their forces in Europe. And we need to discuss that during this period. A few days ago I met with the new military attache, and we also opened this issue. There is also an additional document received from our side on how we will respond to Trump’s calls for loyalty… There is a large questionnaire which, of course, is confidential, where we need to have additional funds and after that, of course, we will answer all those questions that have been asked. But, it remains of course that the greatest friend of Macedonia are the USA, it will remain to be the case, and we will answer in that sense, stated Misajlovski.