Special Operations, Joint Training

After being informed about the transformation and modernisation processes of the Army of North Macedonia, as well as the structure of special operations forces, the chiefs of defence discussed the possibilities for cooperation between special operations forces and, via this, for further bilateral cooperation, including joint special diver and conventional infantry sub-units’ training and joint exercises. The Krivolak Military Training Centre has been marked as a possible venue, which can be suitable for receiving the Hungarian sub-units out of the North Macedonian training facilities.

After the face-to-face plenary sessions, the chiefs of defence watched the Hungarian and North Macedonian special operations groups’ joint exercise at the Water Training Camp in Ohrid.

High-altitude and diver capabilities might be the focus of the future tactical-level cooperation between the special operations forces of the two armed forces, as the natural conditions of North Macedonia offer great venues where the Hungarian special operations groups can further develop their capabilities.

North Macedonia, situated on the Balkan Peninsula, was part of Yugoslavia before 1991. It has been conducting accession talks with the EU since 2005 and is a NATO member state since 2020. In 2023, North Macedonia became the newest member of the Defence Cooperation Initiative (DECI), involving eight member states and led by Italy. The country’s role in the Balkans region’s security and stability is significant.