A modern army must be ready to respond to a wide range of challenges, which is why investing in modern equipment, training and partnerships is crucial, said Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović.
As announced by the Ministry of Defense, Krapović, at the invitation of his Slovenian colleague Borut Sajovic, participated in the first international defense exhibition and conference SIDEC 2025, which was held in Celje, Slovenia.
"During their visit to the exhibition, Krapović and the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro Miodrag Vuksanović were introduced to the offer of companies that represent leaders in the regional defense industry, as well as the range of some of the world's largest manufacturers of weapons and military equipment, including C-Astral Aerospace, Guardiaris, BIJOL, Rheinmetall AG, CREAPLUS, FN Herstal," the statement said.
It is stated that, in conversations with company representatives, Krapović emphasized the importance of such events for improving the security and defense capacities of the countries in the region.
"Exhibitions of this type are not only an opportunity to see the latest technological achievements, but also to exchange experiences, ideas and establish contacts that can be key to further improving the defense capabilities of our countries," said Krapović.
He said that contemporary geopolitical circumstances require responsible and timely decisions when it comes to building and modernizing military capacities.
"A modern army must be ready to respond to a wide range of challenges - from traditional security threats, to new, hybrid and unpredictable risks. That is why investing in modern equipment, training and partnerships is of crucial importance," Krapović emphasized.
He said that Montenegro remains a reliable ally and partner, firmly committed to strengthening collective security.
The Ministry said that Krapović, as part of SIDEC, also attended the ceremony of signing the minutes on the handover of unmanned aerial vehicles that Montenegro and Slovenia acquired based on the joint procurement of BELIN unmanned aerial systems, which further strengthens cooperation and partnership relations between the two countries in the field of defense.
On behalf of the Ministry of Defense, the minutes were signed by the Director of the Logistics Directorate, Radovan Kostić.
Krapović thanked the Slovenian side for their support and trust.
"This acquisition is more than a technical upgrade - it is a symbol of strong partnership, trust and shared commitment to the security of our region. For Montenegro, this represents an important step in the modernization of the armed forces and the expansion of reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities through unmanned platforms," Krapović said.
He added that cooperation with Slovenia is an example of the partnership relations that Montenegro strives to foster with all allies and friends.
"In a rapidly changing world, it is crucial for small states to build strong relationships of cooperation, trust and mutual support. Slovenia is our reliable partner and I believe that this cooperation will continue to deepen in the years to come," Krapović emphasized.
The Ministry said that Vuksanović attended the main panel of the conference entitled "Strategy for the Development of the Defense Industry and Technological Base", which discussed contemporary trends and challenges in the development of national defense industries and technological bases, as well as possibilities for strengthening regional cooperation in this area.
"The SIDEC 2025 exhibition, organized by the Slovenian Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the Slovenian Armed Forces and the Slovenian Defense Industry Cluster, is being held for the first time and has brought together a large number of high-ranking officials, including defense ministers, chiefs of general staff and armament directors," the statement said.
This gathering, as stated, confirms the importance of international cooperation and exchange of experiences in the field of defense and security, with the aim of strengthening joint capacities and collective resilience.
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