The Initial Planning Conference (IPC) for the exercise “Flash 26” was held from 3 to 7 November 2025 at the barracks “Jane Sandanski” in Shtip. This conference is part of the planning process for the successful realization of the national exercise, which is intended for the assessment of the combat readiness of the Light Infantry Battalion Group (LIBnG), in accordance with NATO Standards for the evaluation of the combat readiness of land commands and units.
At the opening of the IPC, the Exercise Director, Colonel Igor Arsovski, greeted the attendees and emphasized that effective and precise planning is the foundation for achieving the success of the “Flash 26” exercise. He pointed out that this phase of the planning process is of great importance for organizing and coordinating all aspects of the exercise, with the aim of successfully evaluating the combat readiness of the LIBnG, which, as a declared NATO unit, has a key role within the Army.
During the conference, the planning team worked on the exercise plan, focusing on the following key segments:
- Preparation of the necessary documents for the development of scenario modules;
- Formulation of training objectives;
- Initial identification of the Main Events List;
- Definition of tasks and timelines for primary and secondary training elements.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the IPC conclusions and the definition of the next steps in the ongoing exercise planning process. Preparations will continue in December 2025 with the organization of a workshop dedicated to developing the concept of operations and preparing detailed plans for the field execution of the exercise.
