North Macedonia Secures $150 Million British Investment to Build Defense Industry
British firm Burstock will invest $150 million in North Macedonia to build a defense industry factory employing up to 1,000 people. The project marks one of the country’s largest foreign defense investments, strengthening its industrial base.
British defense and security consulting firm Burstock is set to invest approximately $150 million in North Macedonia, with plans to establish a new factory aimed at supporting the country’s defense industry. The project represents one of the largest foreign investments in Macedonia’s defense sector to date.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Macedonian government and Burstock, confirming the strategic partnership. In his social media statement, Mickoski noted that the upcoming facility will employ up to 1,000 workers, calling the project “just the beginning” of a broader industrial expansion.
Strengthening National Capabilities
The investment is viewed as a key step in enhancing North Macedonia’s industrial base, technological competence, and defense production capacity. Analysts emphasize that such projects can generate high-value employment, transfer specialized skills, and attract further foreign investment into the defense ecosystem.
Mickoski highlighted that the initiative fits within the government’s broader strategy to increase defense-related investments to over $1 billion, bolstering both national security and the local economy.
British Expertise, Regional Ambition
Burstock provides specialized consulting in defense, security, intelligence, diplomacy, and industrial development, with experience managing complex international projects. According to Mickoski, the firm brings “advanced expertise in the maritime and aviation commercial sectors,” signaling potential synergies beyond defense manufacturing.
The planned facility underscores North Macedonia’s growing integration into the European defense and security framework, reflecting its ambition to become a relevant player in regional defense supply chains.
