North Macedonia has expanded its fleet of U.S.-built armored vehicles with the delivery of 29 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), formally presented on August 15 at the “Jane Sandanski” Barracks in Shtip.
The ceremony 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. With this addition, the Army now operates a total of 67 JLTVs.
“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,” said Mickoski.
He described the new vehicles as part of a wider effort to modernize the armed forces.
“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.
Defense Minister Misajlovski highlighted the steady growth in the Army’s capabilities.
“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.
According to Misajlovski, the JLTVs are assigned to the Light Infantry Battalion Group, which North Macedonia has declared as a unit available for NATO deployments and international missions. He also noted that seven additional contracts have been signed with the United States covering Special Forces equipment, UAV systems, cyber defense tools, light infantry weapons, personal protection gear, and a Joint Fire Control Kit.
U.S. Ambassador Aggeler described the vehicles as a direct reflection of Washington’s commitment to North Macedonia’s defense.
She said they are a “strong and powerful symbol of your progress toward a modernised military, equipped and ready to meet the demands of today’s complex security environment.”
The JLTV, manufactured by Oshkosh Defense, is widely used by the U.S. military and NATO allies. Designed to replace older Humvees, it provides improved protection against mines and improvised explosive devices, while maintaining mobility across rough terrain.
North Macedonia’s ongoing modernization drive reflects its efforts to align with NATO standards and enhance readiness in an increasingly uncertain regional security landscape. Officials say further deliveries, including U.S.-made Stryker vehicles, will continue to expand the Army’s operational flexibility.