Serbia eyes French jets, veering away from Russia

Serbia is on the verge of securing an agreement to buy 12 Rafale multi-role combat aircraft from France, as stated by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic during his recent visit to Paris. This acquisition from France signifies a departure from Serbia’s usual reliance on Russia for military hardware.

President Vucic’s announcement came amidst his discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and meetings with French defense authorities, including representatives from Dassault Aviation, the makers of the Rafale jet.

Vucic highlighted the fruitful dialogue with Macron, noting that their extensive conversation, which spanned over three hours, led to definitive arrangements concerning the Rafale jet acquisition. He anticipates the formalization of these contracts within the next two months, with President Macron in attendance. Vucic emphasized that this purchase would significantly broaden the military and bilateral ties between Serbia and France.

While the financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, Serbian media loyal to the government speculate the cost of the entire package to be around 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion).

This move comes after Serbia’s decision to upgrade its air force, which presently comprises mainly Soviet-era MiG-29 fighters and older Yugoslav military aircraft. This consideration gained momentum especially after Croatia, a neighboring rival in the Balkans, acquired 12 used Rafale jets for approximately 1 billion euros.

Procuring the Rafale jets would mark a significant step in modernizing Serbia’s air force capabilities. Traditionally, Serbia has sourced its military aircraft, including combat helicopters, from Russia and has notably not participated in international sanctions against Moscow due to its actions in Ukraine.

The potential escalation of Serbia’s military capabilities has raised concerns among neighboring countries, particularly in light of the violent disintegration of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Despite being a candidate for the European Union, Serbia is nearly completely encircled by NATO members.

There are apprehensions that the acquisition of advanced military equipment from Western nations like France could embolden President Vucic to undertake military actions in Kosovo, a territory that declared its independence from Serbia in 2008 but is not recognized by Serbia. Vucic has made indirect threats of military intervention in the region in recent times.

In addition to military matters, Vucic’s dialogue with Macron also touched upon the ongoing tensions in Kosovo, as well as prospects for cooperation in nuclear technology, including the potential establishment of a nuclear power facility in Serbia.