Introduction
Israeli companies have supplied military equipment, UAV systems, surveillance technology, and cyber forensic tools to North Macedonian security forces. North Macedonia also served as a base of operations for controversial Israeli spyware firm Intellexa.
Israel-North Macedonia Relations
Israel and North Macedonia established diplomatic relations in December 1995 and have maintained ties since.[1]The Jerusalem Post, Heritage Minister Eliyahu to visit North Macedonia as gov’t guest to strengthen diplomatic ties, 06.01.2026 Israel does not currently maintain a permanent embassy in North Macedonia, instead appointing a roving ambassador, while North Macedonia operates an embassy in Israel.[2]JNS, Israeli government approves seven ambassadors, 26.01.2025[3]MIA, President Siljanovska-Davkova receives credentials of new Israeli Ambassador, 25.07.2025 North Macedonia joined NATO in 2020[4]NATO, NATO Member Countries, 11.03.2024 and is an EU candidate country.[5]European Commission, 19th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Committee between the European Union and the Republic of North Macedonia, 13.02.2026
In 2017 a delegation from North Macedonia, headed by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, visited Israel and discussed deepening cooperation in economic, political, security, and defense fields.[6]Israel Hayom, Israel, Macedonia agree to boost economic, energy ties, 05.09.2017
Military and Security Relations
Israel-North Macedonia relations in the military and cyber domain include a range of defense procurement, training programs, and technology transfers. Israeli companies have supplied equipment and systems to North Macedonian security forces, including helicopter upgrades, UAV platforms, surveillance technologies, and forensic tools. Cooperation has also extended to cybersecurity and internal security infrastructure projects involving Israeli defense and technology firms.
In 2003 Elbit was awarded a $2 million contract for an upgrade of two Mi-17 and two Mi-24V helicopters. The helicopters were upgraded with the Aviators Night Vision Head-Up Display (ANVIS/HUD) system, a helmet mounted display. In 2018 it was reported that a second stage of upgrade is planned for the two Macedonian Mi-17s that were involved in the first stage. This planned update included an ILS (Instrument Landing System), a moving map, a mission computer with multifunctional displays and a new type of radio for communication.[7]VAYU, Aerospace and Defence Review, Macedonia’s Aviation Brigade, 06.09.2018
In 2011, Elbit Systems won a €43 million contract to set up a helicopter pilot training center for North Macedonia’s Defense and Security Forces. In response, Elbit stated that it had maintained “many years of cooperation” with Macedonia.[8]Globes, Elbit Systems wins €43m Macedonian Army contract, 11.05.2011 The training center started operating in 2011 under Elbit’s subsidiary ELMAK, and was directed by Shraga Yaari until 2020, when it was handed over to the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia.[9]Army of the Republic of North Macedonia, Official handover of the Pilot Training Center to the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia, 30.12.2020[10]Linkedin, Shraga Yaari
In 2014, North Macedonia’s army announced another project with Elbit to upgrade the Mi-8 MT helicopter of the Air Defence Brigade. The project included upgrading of the helicopter GPS and transponder, modification of the cockpit and building electrical and mechanical installations in order to install modern ANVIS-HUD 24 for night flights.[11]Army of the Republic of North Macedonia, Upgrading Helicopter Mi-8 MT, 29.05.2014
In 2024, amid the war in Gaza it was reported that North Macedonia was involved in transferring ammunition to Israel.[12]Balkan Insight, Greek Dock Workers Prevent Ammunition Being Loaded for Israel, 18.10.2024
Cyber and Surveillance
In 2015, a major political crisis erupted in North Macedonia after thousands of illegally wiretapped recordings were released, revealing alleged high-level corruption and abuse of power. Investigations by a Special Prosecution later included claims that former intelligence chief Saso Mijalkov was connected to a corrupt deal involving the purchase of surveillance equipment from an Israeli company, and that an Israeli intermediary was also involved in facilitating payments tied to the transaction. Neither the company nor the individual were publicly identified in credible sources.[13]The Times of Israel, What does Macedonia’s bribery scandal have to do with Israel?, 10.05.2016[14]The Times of Israel, Macedonian intel chief accused of bribery in Israel deal, 01.04.2015[15]Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, Macedonia: Newly Formed Special Prosecution Launches Its First Two Corruption Cases, 01.12.2015
In 2023, North Macedonia’s Minister of Information Society and Administration, Admirim Aliti, visited Israel and participated in the CyberTech TLV Global conference.[16]CyberTech Israel, CyberTech Global Tel Aviv 2023 – 3 days conference agenda
In October 2024 a delegation of eight Israeli cybersecurity companies was reported to visit North Macedonia to promote the establishment of a national cyber directorate. The companies involved are WISE-MON, KELA, BG PROTECT, TRIPLE P, FLOW-SEC, Redrok, and Realite Q. The delegation was organized by Improvate, an Israeli-based company promoting Israeli cyber and defense technologies in Central and Eastern Europe. Former prime minister of North Macedonia, Vlado Buchakovski, is part of Improvate and accompanied the delegation.[17]Israel Defense, Israeli Companies to Establish National Cyber Directorate in North Macedonia and Kosovo, 28.10.2024[18]Improvate
In 2026, North Macedonia launched the “Safe City” surveillance project,[19]Republic of North Macedonia Ministry of Interior, Starting tomorrow, “Safe City” launches, the Ministry of Internal Affairs urges adherence to traffic rules, 21.01.2026 which has been linked to Elbit Systems. Official statements describe Elbit as a long-standing partner of the Interior Ministry involved in developing technical and security systems, including the Safe City,[20]MIA, MoI Toshkovski visits Israeli company Elbit Systems, meets police chief Engel, 07.03.2025 while independent reporting indicates the company provided key software and infrastructure for the project.[21]TRN, „Сејф Сити“ – проект меѓу безбедноста и стравот, 28.01.2026
Intellexa/Cytrox and North Macedonia
North Macedonia has served as a base of operations for Israeli-linked surveillance firm Intellexa, owned by Tal Dilian. At least five companies with links to Intellexa were registered with the official business registry of North Macedonia between 2017 and 2021, including Cytrox, Inpedio, CyberLab and CyShark. Cytrox and Inpedio operated in Skopje, with both companies receiving initial funding from state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries. These firms were formally separate but operated closely together, sharing offices and personnel, and were all involved in the development of spyware Predator, with North Macedonia serving as a central development hub. Cytrox was later acquired and folded into Intellexa. Intellexa and its Predator spyware have since come under international scrutiny and investigation over alleged misuse against journalists, politicians, and other targets, raising legal and human rights concerns.[22]Haaretz, How Israel Invested in Spyware at Heart of Greek Scandal, EU Inquiry, 28.06.2023[23]VSquare, How the makers of Predator spyware hid behind a Czech granny, 16.02.2024[24]Balkan Insight, US Sanctions Firms from Greece, North Macedonia Linked to Spyware Consortium, 06.03.2024[25]Investigative Reporting Lab Macedonia, Israeli company developed spyware in Skopje, local officials looked the other way, 12.04.2023
Reporting in Greece and North Macedonia also linked Intellexa to a draft 2022 cyber cooperation agreement between the two countries’ intelligence bodies. The agreement was never signed, and Greek officials denied any formal connection to the company, despite evidence that individuals associated with Intellexa were involved in editing the document.[26]Haaretz, Report: Israeli Spyware Firm, Ex-security Boss, Advised on Secret Greek Spy Agency Deal, 13.07.2023
Usage of Israeli Arms and Spyware
The Negev and Tavor rifles by IWI are used by North Macedonia’s security forces.[27]The FN MINIMI Light Machine Gun, Chris McNab, 2017[28]The Interactive Guide on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
The Wolf Infantry Mobility Vehicle (IMV) produced by the Israeli company Carmor is used by law enforcement agencies in North Macedonia.[29]Army Recognition, First sighting of Carmor’s Wolf IMV command version in Georgian army, 19.10.2023
Hermes 450 – North Macedonia operates the Hermes 450 unmanned aerial vehicle, produced by Elbit Systems, as part of its military surveillance capabilities.[30]Global Military, Hermes 450[31]Airliners, Silver Arrow Hermes 450 – Macedonia – Air Force
Forensic Tools by Cellebrite – In 2024 the Macedonian Ministry of Interior signed licenses for the use of Cellebrite’s UFED phone extraction software.[32]Balkan Insight, Digital Forensic Tools Risk Abuse in Fragile Democracies Like North Macedonia, 17.06.2025[33]EU Tenders, 653134-2024 – Competition Already in 2021 a tender for renewal of Cellebrite’s UFED licenses was published, suggesting that the system had been in use prior to that date.[34]EU Tenders, 108920-2021 – Competition, 26/02/2021 In 2025, another tender was published for Cellebrite’s newer product Inseyets Online Pro.[35]EU Tenders, 191636-2025 – Competition