The United States and the US military stand firmly with the Armed Forces and the state of BiH, Colonel General Senad Masovic, Commander of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of BiH, told “Avaz” after returning from a visit to the United States, where he met with the governor and partners from the Maryland National Guard.
Special exercises
The further improvement of the exceptional cooperation between the AFBiH and the US Army and the Maryland National Guard were the reasons for his visit to the US, especially in the context of the deteriorating security situation after the Russian aggression on Ukraine.
“We had the opportunity to express our needs when it comes to strengthening the capacities of the AFBiH. For us, strengthening air defense, improving air mobility, strengthening anti-tank capabilities, but also conducting special exercises of the AFBiH and the US Army, which will happen soon, both in BiH and abroad,” says Masovic.
The recent delivery of four helicopters is just the beginning of the continuous strengthening of the AFBiH, and Masovic reveals that specific equipment will be delivered to our army very soon.
“I can’t reveal some information yet, but now I can say that these are “Javelin” anti-armor systems, currently the best in the world, anti-aircraft systems, ie short- and medium-range missiles, and some additional specific needs. We expect the beginning of training on those funds, and I hope the beginning of the delivery process,” Masovic points out.
Wider interest
He says that the AFBiH is currently in the focus of the international community, they have the opportunity and have already applied for the delivery of certain equipment from NATO and the EU, but he will strengthen his capacities through bilateral cooperation with the USA, Great Britain, Turkey and other countries.
“It is not only in the interest of BiH, but also in the wider interest of the international community, in order to prevent any additional crises in the coming period,” Colonel General Masovic points out.
The door to BiH is open
Masovic claims that he expects a lot from the Madrid summit of NATO, at which BiH and the strengthening of its defense capacities will be one of the topics.
“The very clear commitment and retention of NATO’s open door policy is really encouraging. The door to BiH is open. The Law on Defense of BiH is a clearly prescribed path towards NATO and we must do everything we can to continue the integration path towards NATO and the EU. That is the key thing for the security and better life of the citizens,” Masovic adds.
