At Krivolak training area, the Distinguished Visitors Day was held today, as part of the “Immediate Response 25” (IR 25) exercise.
The event was attended by: the President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Minister of Defense Vlado Misajlovski, the Chief of General Staff, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army’s Land Forces Command for Europe and Africa, Major General Levon Cumpton, Commander of the Vermont National Guard, Major General Gregory Knight, government ministers, members of Parliament, ambassadors of the USA, Albania, Kosovo, the United Kingdom, and Montenegro, Army generals, high-ranking guests from the countries participating in the IR 25 exercise, the military-diplomatic corps, representatives of local government, and other guests.
In her address, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized: “In times of global security threats, when the world is torn between war and hope, our Army demonstrates interoperability, professionalism, and readiness to act shoulder to shoulder with our allies in defense of freedom, dignity, and human rights.” The President added that today we reaffirmed our commitment: to stand on the side of peace, but also to be ready, if and when necessary, to defend it with all our strength.
Minister of Defense Vlado Misajlovski stated that the exercise is “a clear demonstration of the commitment of the Macedonian Army to national and regional security, as well as to the stability of the Alliance,” and that in this way, we enhance our deterrence and defense capabilities within NATO. He also highlighted the importance and strategic position of the Krivolak training area, which is “a unique training facility capable of hosting large-scale exercises.”
“The IR 25 exercise is more than a demonstration of combat readiness and capability — it is proof of the Alliance’s strength and dedication. The tireless efforts of the exercise participants aim not only to improve the capacities and capabilities of their own units but also to build trust, interoperability, and mutual respect,” said General Sashko Lafchiski. He added: “This exercise sends a strong message that together we are stronger and more capable of protecting democratic values, peace, and freedom.”
“This exercise is a testament to the strength of collective defense and our commitment to a stable and secure Europe,” emphasized Major General Levon Cumpton. He also highlighted the impressive and unwavering dedication of the Republic of North Macedonia to regional peace and security.
The “Immediate Response 25” exercise is the second phase of the largest U.S. Army exercise in Europe — the “Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness” (DEFENDER 25). Alongside seven other European countries, the Republic of North Macedonia is one of the host nations, with more than 2,200 military personnel from seven NATO member states and two NATO partner countries participating in this exercise.
The objectives of this exercise are multiple, and among the most significant are: synchronization of combined armed forces, confirmation of tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting coordinated conventional and joint operations in various weather conditions, and improvement of interoperability among declared units through joint training with partner countries. Additionally, the exercise aims to build greater readiness and operational synchronization among NATO and partner country armies through complex and simultaneous operations across multiple zones.
