North Macedonia seeks Strykers
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is closer to exporting Stryker vehicles to a new customer after the US State Department approved a $210 million FMS to North Macedonia.
North Macedonia is on a procurement surge following its accession to NATO membership in March 2020. It is acquiring an undisclosed number of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles from Oshkosh, for example.
The Stryker FMS request aligns with the 'North Macedonian Armed Forces Development Plan 2019-2028', which lists a requirement for 249 wheeled armoured vehicles.
The Stryker deal, which still requires approval from Congress, includes a total of 54 vehicles (a mix of M1126 infantry carriers, M1129 mortar carriers and M1130 command vehicles); M2A1 50cal machine guns (from General Dynamics); smoke grenade launchers; radios (from L3Harris); and Common Remote Operated Weapons Stations (from Kongsberg).
North Macedonia will also receive the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver from Collins Aerospace and the Raytheon AN/VAS-5 Driver Vision Enhancer, as well as spare parts, test equipment and ancillary logistics and technical support, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 16 March.
It added: ‘The proposed sale of this equipment and support will improve North Macedonia’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing operational capabilities, force availability, and promote military cooperation.'
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