In the Armed Forces of Montenegro (AVCG), 81,5 percent of positions are filled, and almost a fifth of formation positions are vacant. The biggest deficit is in the number of contract soldiers, as 29,1 percent of that personnel are missing - the Minister of Defense told "Vijesti" Dragan Krapović (Democrats).
He said that 18,5 percent of formation positions are vacant in the Armed Forces of Montenegro. By category, 82,68 percent of officer positions are filled, 86,71 percent of non-commissioned officers, 70,90 percent of contract soldiers, and 92,29 percent of civilians.
"The biggest challenge is evident among contract soldiers, where 29,1 percent of the planned number is missing," Krapović said.
The Ministry of Defense, he added, is intensively implementing measures to retain and attract personnel. He recalled that a public announcement is underway for the recruitment of 83 contract soldiers, while a competition is being prepared for the recruitment of 34 people - three officers, six non-commissioned officers and 25 civilians.
"For the success of this process, we combine experience and innovation, especially in communicating with the young generation, who live a digital life. In this sense, the interactive website budivojnik.me provides easy access to information, but also inspires young people to choose a military career and become a pillar of Montenegro's defense," said Krapović.
He recently told "Vijesti" that he believes that reintroducing mandatory military service would be a good idea, but that he is currently not in favor of its implementation because Montenegro, at the state and societal level, does not yet have the basic prerequisites for such a step.
The Minister states that members of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, those who protect their homeland, save lives in accidents, put out fires and help in disasters, deserve respect and a special place in society.
"It is our obligation to provide them with the best conditions and to motivate young people to become part of this honorable service. Service in the Army is not just a calling - it is an act of unity, security and loyalty to the state," said Krapović.
When asked when the Ministry intends to procure equipment and vehicles for the Army, foreseen in this year's budget, he replied that the modernization of the Armed Forces of Montenegro is a complex and multidimensional process, which is carried out in accordance with national needs, but also tasks within the framework of the NATO alliance.
This year's budget plans to borrow up to 250 million euros for the procurement of four multi-purpose helicopters, air and anti-tank defense systems, several types of military vehicles, and a weapons and equipment program for chemical-biological-radiological-nuclear defense.
Krapović said that part of the procurement already began last year and is ongoing, while the rest will be implemented during 2026.
"This is a long-term and complex process that requires coordination from the military, technical, legal and international aspects. The deadline for concluding the contract is scheduled for 2026, while the complete implementation of the projects will take several years," he announced.
As for international cooperation regarding the procurement of equipment, he added, discussions have already been held and the Ministry has established cooperation with Germany, Turkey, France, Great Britain, Italy, Canada, Slovenia, Israel, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia...
"I do not want to speak publicly about specific companies and platforms at this stage of the procedure due to the nature of the entire process, but I emphasize that all steps are taking place based on the law, according to plan and in accordance with the interests of the Army of Montenegro and the defense system," said Krapović.
This year's budget includes credit arrangements with the Israeli bank "Hapoalim" and the French banks "BPI France" and "Societe Generale". The arrangement with Hapoalim, which was signed in 2023, contracted two projects - for the upgrade of armored vehicles (worth 30,1 million euros) and the procurement of mortars for light armored patrol vehicles (in the amount of 20 million euros).
The procurement of two patrol ships for the Navy of the Armed Forces of Montenegro (in the amount of 119,3 million euros) is part of an arrangement with French banks.
Construction of these ships, which are being manufactured by the French company "Kership", began in mid-April last year, and the contract was signed in November 2024.
The budget of the Ministry of Defense for this year has increased by about 160 thousand euros compared to last year, and amounts to about 78,9 million euros. About 49,4 million euros have been allocated for the Armed Forces of Montenegro, which is 4,3 million less compared to last year's budget (53,7 million).
Radar on Bjelasica will start being installed in May
Speaking about the installation of a long-range surveillance radar on Bjelasica, Krapović told the editorial staff that the Government had reached a conclusion obliging the Broadcasting Center to relocate its equipment and that the complete move was planned by May 2026.
"Work on the construction of the radar installation facility will begin immediately thereafter, in May 2026, taking into account terrain and climate challenges," the minister announced.
He said that the installation of the radar, which was donated to Montenegro by NATO, is a priority.
"The Government and the Ministry of Defense are taking all necessary steps to create the conditions for its implementation, because Montenegro, as a credible NATO partner, cannot afford to return the equipment before it is used for the purpose for which it was donated," said Krapović.
In 2019, Montenegro received a second-hand 3D surveillance radar of the "HR 3000" type from NATO for use, so that it could continuously observe and monitor airspace and ensure the exchange of radar images in the NATO defense system.
The radar was supposed to be installed and activated by October 2024 at the latest, but the project is delayed because the planned location is occupied by equipment from the Broadcasting Center.
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