The largest military exercise in the country « Quick Response 2025 » begins

Today the country will host the military exercise « Quick Response 2025 » as part of the large multinational Defender 2025 with about 12,000 troops participating in different countries across Europe.

More than 2,000 troops from the country, the United States, Montenegro, Kosovo, Austria, Greece, Albania, Italy and the United Kingdom will take part in the exercise in the country. Macedonia will participate 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.

Exercise tests NATO’s ability to respond to developmental security threats, including cyberattacks, serving as an important platform for improving multinational cooperation and confirming the willingness of the participating forces to share the burden in complex and disputed environments.

Chief of General Staff Major General Sasko Lafciski said last week at a media briefing that this exercise was one of the largest ever in the country with about 2200 soldiers from seven NATO countries and two partner states.

« Exercise, among other things, aims to improve interoperability between Allied and Partnership Silica as well as joint action in complex conditions and a rapid reaction of forces in eastern Europe, » Lafchiski said.

« Quick Response 2025 » 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.

On the eve of the military exercise, the military orchestra of the Army and the Orchestra of the National Guard from Vermont, USA, held a joint concert. The open day for the citizens with the performance of the exercise from the exercise is scheduled for June 1 in Kavadarci, and today they will hold a concert in Skopje.

The day for senior guests will take place on June 2 when the exercise « Reinforced Infantry Battalion in Attack » will be realized.

According to US Ambassador to the country Angela Ageller, « Quick Response 2025 » is clear evidence of a close and growing partnership between the United States and 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 closer – says Agler.

The US Embassy said on Friday that the United States and Northern Macedonia continue to strengthen their partnership in defense, education, entrepreneurship and civil society, supporting the institutional development and security capabilities of Northern Macedonia.

– Both countries remain aimed at expanding energy cooperation, defense, trade and cultural exchange, providing long -term prosperity and security. A quick response 2025 is an example of securing peace by strengthening NATO’s readiness and collective defense – the US Embassy said.