North Macedonia received 29 new Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) from the United States, with a formal presentation held on August 15 at the “Jane Sandanski” Barracks in Shtip. With this delivery, the Army now operates a total of 67 JLTVs.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Minister of Defence Vlado Misajlovski, Chief of the General Staff Major General Sashko Lafchiski, and U.S. Ambassador Angela Aggeler.
Prime Minister Mickoski described security and stability as essential conditions for national development, linking the modernization of the armed forces to those goals.
“As Prime Minister, one of my top priorities has always been the security of the country, as well as preserving peace and stability in the country, since these are the basic preconditions for us to be able to develop a society that will progress and a society that will offer a future for all citizens. An unbreakable link, of course, to these ambitions is the Macedonian Army,” Mickoski said.
He added that the new vehicles represent continuity in a broader modernization program.
“Today, we are attending this event which is a continuation, I would say, of the event that took place a year ago, which the esteemed U.S. ambassador spoke about, and I am truly proud that we are slowly, but surely, rounding up the equipping process, thus enhancing and strengthening the Macedonian Army. We will not stop here, we will continue further,” Mickoski said.
The Prime Minister also referred to the development of transport corridors 8 and 10 as part of broader defense planning, describing them as important logistical assets for NATO’s southern flank.
Defence Minister Misajlovski underlined the steady reinforcement of the Army.
“Twenty-nine new armored vehicles that were purchased through the Government-to-Government contract are already part of the Army. With this new delivery, we are approaching the required number of vehicles, and additionally, we are expecting some of the STRYKER armored vehicles, also an American production, to arrive soon,” he said.
He noted that the JLTVs are assigned to the Light Infantry Battalion Group, which North Macedonia has declared as a NATO-ready unit for international missions. He added that seven additional contracts with the United States have been signed, covering Special Forces equipment, unmanned systems, cyber defense, light weapons, personal protection gear, and a Joint Fire Control Kit.
U.S. Ambassador Aggeler said the vehicles reflect Washington’s continued support for North Macedonia.
“These light armored vehicles will be the backbone of North Macedonia, specifically the Light Infantry Battalion Group, which represents a physical reflection of the role you have as a determined ally in NATO. At the same time, they embody the ongoing support of the United States for North Macedonia and its defense capabilities, as well as our shared security objectives,” she said.
Aggeler added that NATO’s recent summit underscored the importance of readiness as a practical necessity rather than just a priority.
“With these vehicles in your arsenal, North Macedonia and its forces will be better prepared to meet the challenges of our collective defense, today and in the future. Thirty years ago, the United States formally recognized this country and established bilateral relations, which we continue to honor to this day,” she said.
The JLTV, built by Oshkosh Defense, is intended to replace older Humvees in U.S. and allied service, offering enhanced protection against mines and improvised explosive devices while maintaining mobility across difficult terrain.
North Macedonia’s modernization program aims to align the armed forces with NATO standards, with officials confirming that further deliveries, including U.S.-made Stryker vehicles, are expected. According to Defence Minister Misajlovski, the overall plan foresees 96 armored vehicles in Army service by the end of the project.