North Macedonia has outlined its military priorities as it moves to meet NATO’s updated defense spending benchmark of 5% of GDP. The country plans to restructure its armed forces around Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), Stryker armored fighting vehicles, and a variety of unmanned aerial systems.
As Janes reports, Minister of Defence Vlado Misajlovski announced that an agreement with the United Kingdom will be signed in July 2025. The UK, together with the United States, will assist North Macedonia in reaching the spending target over the next decade.
North Macedonian Army received its first JLTVs in 2022 / Photo credit: Ministry of Defense of North Macedonia
In terms of modernization, North Macedonia will acquire additional JLTV 4×4 and Stryker 8×8 platforms, supported by various drone systems. It also plans to improve short-range air defense with systems like the Mistral MANPADS and to acquire medium-range air defense systems.
The country will also develop capabilities for maintenance and repair of JLTV vehicles in cooperation with Montenegro and Slovenia.
North Macedonia previously donated all of its tanks to Ukraine. While the move may appear to only reduce combat capability, it actually aligns with a deliberate shift toward lighter, more mobile, and drone-equipped mechanized forces. This reflects an effort to optimize the limited budget and adapt to the evolving landscape of modern warfare.
Illustrative photo: Stryker armored combat vehicles ordered by North Macedonia / Open-source photo
Currently, North Macedonia’s 2025 defense budget stands at $388.3 million, with 32% allocated for arms procurement. While modest in absolute terms, it reflects significant commitment, especially considering the country was already spending 2.2% of GDP on defense in 2024, surpassing many NATO states with larger militaries and economies.
It should also be noted that, as a NATO member, North Macedonia will work with allies to complement each other’s shortcomings. One example is neighboring Albania’s purchase of a second radar system, which will bolster not only its own capabilities but also regional air surveillance coverage.
North Macedonia’s JLTV at a training ground in 2024 / Photo credit: Ministry of Defense of North Macedonia
Overall, the Balkan nation demonstrates that even with that even with small financial resources it is possible to adapt to meet today’s military needs. This can be a valuable lesson for Ukraine as well, a country with an economy tattered by war and forced to carefully choose priorities.