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How One European Country Gave Ukraine All Its Tanks—and Rebuilt Its Army With Drones
While most countries send Ukraine limited military aid, one NATO ally took a bold step—donating every single tank it had. What followed was a complete transformation of its armed forces.
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
North Macedonia is restructuring its armed forces around wheeled armored vehicles and unmanned systems after transferring its entire tank fleet to Ukraine. The shift reflects a broader strategy to modernize defense capabilities within limited budgets and in cooperation with NATO allies.
According to Defense Express on July 9, the country has outlined its military priorities as it prepares to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP—NATO’s new target level.
The future force will be centered on JLTV 4×4 armored vehicles and 8×8 Stryker infantry carriers, supported by a range of unmanned aerial systems and enhanced short- and medium-range air defense systems.
North Macedonia received its first batch of JLTVs in 2022. In July 2025, the government is expected to sign a long-term defense agreement with the United Kingdom, with additional support from the United States. The plan includes at least some level of cooperation with Montenegro and Slovenia.
Rather than rebuilding a conventional tank force, North Macedonia is investing in mobility and battlefield awareness. The armed forces will be equipped with new JLTVs and Strykers, complemented by man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) such as the Mistral and planned acquisitions of medium-range systems.
While the decision to donate all tanks to Ukraine may appear to reduce capabilities, the transition to wheeled platforms and drone integration is aligned with modern military trends—especially for nations with constrained defense budgets. The goal is to achieve operational effectiveness without relying on legacy armored formations.
North Macedonia’s current defense budget stands at $388.3 million, with 32% allocated to equipment procurement. Although modest in absolute terms, the country already allocated 2.2% of its GDP to defense in 2024, exceeding many larger NATO members.
As a NATO member, North Macedonia aims to complement the capabilities of neighboring allies. For example, Albania is acquiring a second radar system to strengthen regional air surveillance. Together, such efforts contribute to collective defense across the Western Balkans.
Earlier, Czechia delivered the last of its T-72M1 tanks to Ukraine, officially retiring the Soviet-era platform. The move marks a shift toward NATO-standard equipment, with the Czech Army now transitioning to German-made Leopard 2 tanks.
