Macedonian Army transforms for new tasks
http://www.janes.com/article/73416/macedonian-army-transforms-for-new-tasks
President Gjorgji Ivanov has called for the budget of the Republic of Macedonia (Armija na Republika Makedonija: ARM) to be increased to at least 2% of the national budget.
Speaking on the 25th anniversary of the formation of the modern ARM on 18 August, Ivanov said: "As a country, we are continuously underlining our dedication and readiness to become part of NATO. However, if we wish to enjoy the privileges, we must also assume the responsibilities. Macedonian membership in NATO also means a corresponding army budget. And that is a minimum of 2% of the state budget."
Ivanov said the ARM must be transformed and properly deployed in the eight planning regions of Macedonia in order to fulfil its basic mission, and to respond to identified threats.
Ivanov announced that in future the ARM will be charged with four tasks:
Support to the crisis management mechanism in handling natural disasters and pollution
Support to the police in fighting urban terrorism in ethnically and religiously diverse cities
Protection of borders from illegal immigration and the participation of the ARM in UN-led peacekeeping operations in regions from which such migration originates
Cyber defence and electronic warfare to prevent and protect the nation's critical infrastructure in close coordination with other state institutions.
Ivanov also strongly underlined the need to modernise the ARM, to ensure that the force is adequately equipped and prepared to fulfil its current and future tasks.
The Army Day celebration included an exhibition of the ARM's latest equipment and weapons, seen publicly for the first time. The most notable appearance was the Mercedes-Benz Unimog U4000 4x4 high-mobility communication vehicle, part of the recently delivered Aselsan Mini Taktik Saha Muhabere Sistemi (TASMUS) tactical area communication system, now operational with the ARM's Signals Battalion. Also presented was an Otokar Cobra 4x4 high-mobility armoured vehicle, one of two donated to Macedonia by Turkey for use by the ARM's Military Police Battalion.
