Macedonia's Ministry of Defense (MoD) and the Israeli company Elbit Systems signed Tuesday an agreement kick starting the work of a center for training of pilots, following two-year in-depth analyses of the Macedonian air force and the Macedonian Army (ARM).

The center will educate pilots for the needs of the ministries of defense and interior affairs, as well as other state institutions. This kind of a training center is opened for the first time in a southeastern European country. It is expected its benefits to be evident in several years, during which time it is planned to become a regional center.

"This project for Macedonia means education, excellent investment as well as security and capital," said DM Konjanovski.

The Macedonian Defense Ministry joins the project for training of pilots in the next eight years with 5.3 million euros annually, whereas it will be also financed by Elbit Systems. The agreement envisages the equipment and technology after eight years to become an asset of the Ministry.

The first generation of pilots will be trained in the Center as of next year.

"With this project, Macedonia makes a step forward compared to many countries that are part of NATO," Konjanovski stressed.

Elbit Systems Ltd. is one of the world's largest defense electronics manufacturers and integrators. Established in 1967, and based in Haifa, Israel, Elbit employs 11,000 people worldwide.