Ageller: « Quick Response 2025 » is clear evidence of a close and growing partnership between the two countries

From Monday to June 9, the country hosts a « quick response 2025 », part of the large multinational Defender 2025 with about 12,000 troops participating in different countries across Europe. More than 2,000 soldiers from the host country, the United States, Montenegro, Kosovo, Austria, Greece, Albania, Italy and the United Kingdom will participate in the country.

The exercise, as stated today in a statement by the US Embassy, ​​is testing NATO’s ability to respond to developmental security threats, including cyberattacks, serving as an important platform for improving multinational co-operation and confirming the willingness of the forces to share the burden.

-« Quick Response 2025 » is clear evidence of a close and growing partnership between the United States and Northern Macedonia. Through joint training, community engagement and cooperation with our NATO allies, we strengthen our collective commitment to peace and security. These exercises improve military readiness and bring our communities together- said US Ambassador Angela Ageller.

Quick Response 2025, the statement added, coincides with the 32nd anniversary of the program of partner federal states between the National Guard of Vermont and Northern Macedonia, under the auspices of the US National Guard Bureau.

« This is an important step forward in the partnership based on common values, » the embassy said.

As part of the events, the Army Orchestra of the Vermont National Guard will join the military orchestra from Northern Macedonia on May 23 from 11 to 12 o’clock to activity with students from the high school music school « Goce Delchev » – Skopje, on May 24, from 13 to 14 o’clock in Bitola, May 26 from 11 am to 12 pm at a concert of the opening ceremony of a quick response 2025 at the Krivolak Camp « Strella ».

On June 1, from 10 am to 12 pm there will be an exposure to Kavadarci City Square with weapons, vehicles, climbing equipment, mini detection robots, tactical equipment, drones and outdoor games with participation from Albania, Austria, Italy, Northern Macedonia and the United States, and on June 2, a multinational event will be held.

– The United States and Northern Macedonia continue to strengthen their partnership in defense, education, entrepreneurship and civil society, supporting the institutional development and security of Northern Macedonia. The two countries remain aimed at expanding energy cooperation, defense, trade and cultural exchange, providing long -term prosperity and security. Quick Response 2025 is an example of securing peace by strengthening NATO’s readiness and collective defense- the statement added.

Chief of General Staff Major General Sasko Lafciski informed yesterday that this exercise is one of the largest ever in the country that will include about 2200 troops from seven NATO countries and two partner states.

« Exercise, among other things, aims to improve interoperability between allied and partner forces as well as joint action in complex conditions and a rapid reaction of forces in eastern Europe, » Lafciski said at a briefing with journalists.

Co-Director of the Lieutenant Colonel Risto I stated that the script of the exercise, which is part of a series of « Defender 25 » exercises, is demonstrating security capabilities and strengthening cyber-defense through the realization of multinational warfare shootings, cyber drills, crossing and river exercises. He stressed that the exercise would confirm the capacities and skill of organizing and coordinating major exercises along with other NATO armies.

Macedonia’s exercise will be attended by Macedonia with 950 members of the Army, USA with 710, Montenegro with 185 participants, Kosovo with 150, Austria with 70, Greece 50, Albania 30, Italy 30 and the United Kingdom with two participants.

All units will use their own formation equipment, and more significant will be leopard tanks, AH-64 apache helicopters, Blek Hawk transport medical helicopters, Husky engineering vehicle, mortars 120mm. The exercise will use standard maneuver and Bojeva Infantry and Artillery ammunition.