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author: Igor Bozinovski |
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On August 18, 2003, the Macedonian Army (Armija na Republika Makedonija or ARM) celebrated its 11 anniversary, entering the second decade of its existence. To celebrate its Day, the Macedonian Army organized big military exercise that took place at Cojlija military range, near the Petrovec Air Force base. |
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The exercise activities that were performed in front of the Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski, Defense Minister Vlado Buckovski, Chief of the ARM Staff Metodi Stamboliski, and diplomatic corps showed the big level of coordination and efficiency between the Macedonian Air Force (Makedonsko Voeno Vozduhoplovstvo i Protivvozdusna Odbrana or VViPVO) and the elite special task units of the Macedonian Army in the fight against the dangerous well armed terrorist groups.
The stars of the exercise were the types of aircraft that the Macedonian Army will dispose during the next year: the UH-1H Huey utility helicopter and the Su-25 combat fighter. In wish to implement serious reforms in the army in line with the new Action Plan to prepare the country for NATO membership, the Macedonian Ministry of Defence confirmed that during 2004 the Macedonian Air Force will dispose of the four Su-25 (three Su-25 and one Su-25UB) combat fighters acquired in June 2001 from the Ukraine. It was also confirmed that there is plans for withdrawal from Macedonian Air Force service of the two UH-1H Huey utility helicopters that Greece donated to the Republic of Macedonia in March 2001.
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Since Macedonia's independence in 1992, ARM has passed a long road to become professional and efficient force, able to meet all of its legal obligations. Since the country's independence, the Macedonian Army (ARM) has been facing very difficult moments, but its dedication and courage has always matched the challenge, NATO Secretary General George Robertson said in his video address. "Only very small number of armies had to cope with so many problems for such a short period of time," Robertson said, adding that ARM task now is to transform in accordance with the modern security environment. "It is a long process but NATO is here to help in realizing of your ambitions," Robertson said. In the next period, the ARM should define the number of the active and reserve contingent, transfer the border control authorities to the police and transform the special forces - the pillar of future prevention from potential threats.
Copyright © IgorBozinovski design © Dejan Vukmirovic AirSerbia 2003.
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Copyright © AirSerbia
2002-2003. All rights reserved. |
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