Misajlovski: We’ll Proceed with Implementation of Procurement of Helicopters

Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski said Friday that the government intend to continue the implementation of the contract for procurement of eight helicopters from the Italian company Leonardo, which was signed in March 2024.

“This is a procurement worth around 300 million euros, and the first helicopter is expected to be delivered to us in 2026. I regret that they are not delivered earlier, for they would’ve been great help in dealing with the wildfires around the country.

We will do everything in our power to increase the ministry’s budget. This year it will exceed 2.15% of the GDP and we are planning to increase this amount to 2.3%. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Finance will have the final say,” Misajlovski explained.