The capabilities of the Army of Montenegro (ACG) have been significantly improved, through the modernization and implementation of NATO standards, but also the dedicated work of all members of the Army and the Ministry of Defense, said the Commander of the NATO Joint Air Operations Center (CAOC) in Torrejon, Juan Pablo Sánchez de Lara.
Sánchez visited the Ministry of Defense and the Croatian Ministry of Defense, where he spoke with the state secretary of that department, Marko Marković, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zoran Lazarević.
"Sanchez said that there is a noticeable improvement in the capabilities of the VCG, which are the result of both the modernization and implementation of NATO standards, as well as the dedicated work of all members of the Army and the Ministry of Defense," the Ministry of Defense announced.
Marković emphasized that the NATO mission "Air Policing" is important for the security of Montenegro, as well as the role of the CAOC in the protection of airspace.
"He pointed out that this mission represents one of the direct benefits of NATO membership, providing protection of the national airspace without investing in expensive defense systems, which is of particular importance for smaller member states of the Alliance," the statement said.
Marković informed Sánchez about Montenegro's contribution to the fulfillment of tasks from the NATO agenda and reiterated that this year, for the first time, our country allocated 2,02 percent of GDP for defense, of which more than a third was dedicated to the modernization of the Army, including aviation capacities.
"He emphasized that in the coming period, Montenegro will continue cooperation with the NATO Joint Center for Air Operations in Torrehon, which has been enhanced by sending Montenegrin representatives to the CAOC, as part of the contribution to the NATO command structure," the announcement states.
Lazarevic pointed out that the modernization of the CGV is a process that was started immediately after the restoration of the state's independence, stating that it is closely related to the process of transformation and adaptation to security challenges.
As he said, the process was carried out in accordance with the needs of the state, but also in accordance with NATO capability goals.
Lazarevic reminded that the planned construction of the radar position is one of the strategic infrastructure projects of the state of Montenegro, which is supported by the Ministry of Defense, and which concretely contributes to the improvement of the NATO airspace control system.
The Ministry said that current security challenges were also discussed during the meeting, with a focus on Russian aggression against Ukraine, which additionally confirmed the importance of the Alliance's military transformations and the need for continuous investment in advanced anti-air defense systems.
"The interlocutors discussed the importance of establishing an airspace surveillance system and early detection of threats, as well as the role of CAOC Torehon in protecting the airspace of Montenegro by engaging interceptor aircraft from Italy and Greece," the statement said.
It is stated that Sánchez visited the Air Force of VCG, where he was presented with new abilities and capacities for carrying out military tasks, as well as rescue and other activities that provide significant support to the civilian sector and the population.
It is added that in the conversation at the headquarters level, it was stated that solving the issue of monitoring the Montenegrin airspace is still a challenge.
Sanchez pointed out that it is necessary for Montenegro to make additional efforts in order to build a radar position as soon as possible, which is a necessary factor in the system of protecting Montenegro's sovereignty.
He, as stated, visited the Air Traffic Control of Serbia and Montenegro (SMATSA) in Podgorica together with members of the Air Force of the Serbian Republic of Serbia, where he was met by the deputy director Rajko Uskoković.
During the visit, it was pointed out that cooperation between military and civilian institutions in the field of airspace control is significant, as well as the commitment of all participants to ensure efficient and safe air traffic management.
The Ministry said that the visit highlights the importance of regional and international cooperation within NATO structures, where Montenegro actively contributes to joint efforts to preserve stability and security.
"VCG and CAOC in Torrehon continue close cooperation within NATO missions and tasks, which further strengthens the integration of Montenegro into the allied collective security systems," the announcement said.
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