Podgorica, (MINA) – By the Defense Investment Plan, Montenegro proved that it is committed to project defense expenses up to 2% of GDP, taking into consideration overall burdening of the national budget, said Chief of General Staff of Montenegrin Armed Forces (VCG) Dragutin Dakic.
He said that Montenegrin Defense Investment Plan for the period 2018-2024 was adopted by the Government on the proposal of the Ministry of Defense.
“The primary goal of increasing of the defense budget is creation of conditions for better continuation of the national defense system reform, equipping and modernizing of VCG, development of its capacities and reaching necessary level of interoperability, thus contributing to development of the Alliance’s capacities”, Dakic said in an interview to Mina.
He added that €80.19 million, or 1.67% of GDP has been planned to be invested in defense this year, while this amount is projected to gradually grow to 2% in 2024.
Dakic said that Montenegro, as the youngest NATO member declared two infantry units as available for the NATO Capability Targets.
Dakic said that equipping and modernization of the declared units is an extremely complex process that requires huge finances, adding that about €50 million will be earmarked for those purposes, short of infrastructure expenses.
He explained that financing will be carried out through the defense budget, donations and incomes from selling surplus weapons and military equipment.
He remarked that VCG invests efforts with the goal of improving of surveillance system and protection of Montenegrins air space and reiterated that since last year, protection of Montenegrin skies has been carried out through NATO Air Policing mission.
“We have discussed various possibilities and ways of procuring a radar. An optimal solution the Ministry of Defense found in a possibility of radar donation by NATO investment committee. The request is currently being discussed in the Committee”, said Dakic, adding that it would be a €2million investment.
He stressed that in that manner Montenegrin sky will be more secure, and that thus conditions will be met for timely reaction in case of violation of Montenegrin sovereignty in the air space.
Asked if there were assessments on the surplus weapons in Montenegro, Dakic responded that weapons and equipment that the Ministry of Defense and VCG have on their disposal are in the function of performing allocated tasks and mission, but do not comply with meeting the capability targets and reaching interoperability with the Allied forces.
Dakic reiterated that the process of resolving the problem of surplus military equipment started several years ago and that it will be continued by neutralization, selling and letting certain equipment to the civilian institutions.
VCG, according to him, are satisfied with the turnout for the voluntary military service, since 150 persons applied for 50 open positions. Longer version of article is available on a link MINA ENGLISH SERVIS
