Serbia shifts military focus: NATO alliances replace Russian ties
Serbia, which for years maintained a military connection with Russia and acquired Russian aircraft among other assets, is now facing challenges with these arrangements. Rather than pursuing additional contracts with Moscow, Belgrade is increasingly favouring agreements with NATO countries. Last year, it reached an accord with France, and now it has done so with Hungary.
As noted by the Bulgarian Military portal, reports from the Balkans suggest that Serbia has reached an agreement with Hungary. Consequently, it will acquire more post-Soviet equipment, including BTR-80 infantry fighting vehicles and, most notably, MiG-29 fighters.
Serbia seeks salvation for MiG-29 fighters
Although Serbia aims to acquire more modern combat aircraft, its air force still largely relies on post-Soviet and Russian machines. Efforts to obtain MiG-29 fighters from Hungary are seen primarily as an attempt to find "donors of spare parts." Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, even countries traditionally allied with Moscow found themselves in a difficult position as they began to lack supplies from a nation embroiled in a prolonged conflict.
The MiG-29 is a frontline fighter whose production commenced in 1983. Although it lags significantly behind contemporary NATO or Russian fighters, operational examples continue to showcase formidable capabilities, as demonstrated by their presence in Kyiv and Moscow air forces. The MiG-29 is powered by two Klimov RD-33 engines, allowing a maximum speed of approximately 2.3 Mach (over 1,491 mph). Its primary armament includes the GSz-30-1 30mm aircraft cannon, but it can also carry air-to-air missiles or bombs with a total weight of up to 5.5 tonnes.
Serbia moves away from post-Soviet armaments
In 2024, Serbia agreed with France to purchase Rafale fighters (12 units). This was perceived as a clear shift by Belgrade towards Western military technology. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, commenting on this development, described the Rafale contract as a "breakthrough for the Serbian air force."
However, the French aircraft will not be delivered until 2028, so until then, Belgrade must maintain the MiG-29 fighters in operational readiness. Several of these aircraft were inherited "as a legacy" after the breakup of Yugoslavia, with additional units purchased in 2017 and 2019 from Russia (six units) and Belarus (four). They will soon be supplemented by an undisclosed number of MiG-29s from Hungary. After inspections, machines in the worst condition may become "donors of spare parts" for those deemed more suitable for flight.
Earlier this year, Serbia concluded another significant contract involving an agreement with Israeli Elbit Systems. Under this agreement, the Serbian army will be bolstered with PULS artillery systems and Hermes 900 drones.
