Serbia Buys 12 Rafale Jets in $2.99B Deal with France
Serbia signed a landmark agreement with France's Dassault Aviation AM.PA for the purchase of 12 new Rafale fighter jets for $2.99 billion.
The agreement, signed by Serbia's Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic and Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier, also includes a complete auxiliary logistics package, spare engines and parts, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic told a news conference.
"A dozen of brand new aircraft will be owned by Serbia, this will contribute to a significant increase in the operational capabilities of our army," Vucic said.
The acquisition, made during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Belgrade, signals a major shift in Serbia's security and political stance, moving away from Russia, its traditional ally and weapons supplier.
Macron said Europe needs a strong and democratic Serbia, while Belgrade needs a "strong and sovereign EU."
"This choice contributes to our strategic autonomy and strengthens it," he said.
"This strategic autonomy can be strengthened together by enhancing our security. It is not exclusive to the European Union. It also exists within the European political community and with countries that aim to join the European Union. That is why Serbia's choice of Rafale fighter jets is, in this regard, a clear decision—one of a long-term alliance between our two countries within a stronger and more sovereign Europe," Macron added.
Serbia and France agreed to Belgrade’s purchase of the Dassault Rafale fighter jets in April during Vucic's visit to Paris and his meeting with Macron.
Serbia also operates Chinese missiles and drones. Its defense budget amounts to around 2% of gross domestic product.
This is Macron’s second meeting with Vucic this year and follows the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Belgrade in May, highlighting Serbia’s strategic position on the edge of the EU, with ties to the east and west.
The EU remains Serbia’s single biggest investor and hundreds of thousands of Serbs work in Western-owned companies.
