On Thursday, Serbia signed a historic agreement with France’s Dassault Aviation to purchase 12 new Rafale fighter jets for 2.7 billion euros ($2.99 billion). The deal was signed by Serbia’s Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic and Dassault Aviation’s CEO Eric Trappier. It includes a complete logistics package, spare engines, and parts.
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic announced that the purchase of these jets would significantly boost the operational capabilities of Serbia’s military. “We are happy to become a part of the Rafale club,” Vucic said, referring to the group of countries that use the advanced aircraft.
This deal marks a significant shift for Serbia, which has traditionally relied on Russia for its military equipment. The purchase was made during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Belgrade. Macron emphasized the importance of a strong and democratic Serbia in Europe and highlighted the long-term alliance between Serbia and France.
This Rafale deal is Serbia’s biggest weapons purchase since it became independent from Montenegro in 2006. The first payments for the jets, totaling 421 million euros each, will be made in 2024 and 2025. The jets will be delivered with MICA air-to-air missiles, although not with the longer-range Meteor missiles.
Serbia has distanced itself from Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, although it has not imposed sanctions on Moscow like the EU and other Western countries. Despite this, Serbia’s military is still based on Soviet technology, though it has recently bought helicopters, planes, and missiles from Western companies.
President Vucic assured that Serbia would not share Rafale technology with Russia, stating that the purchase was made with Serbian citizens’ money.
While Serbia is still closely tied to Russia for its gas supply and support over Kosovo, it also has strong connections to the European Union. However, before Serbia can join the EU, it needs to improve its democracy, rule of law, and relations with Kosovo, and align its foreign policies with the EU, including sanctioning Russia.
