Serbia is expected to sign the largest arms deal with France in its modern history, indicating that Russia's war in Ukraine is prompting one of Moscow's closest allies to diversify its arms purchases. This was reported by the Financial Times, according to UNN.
Details
Belgrade plans to order a dozen French Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation worth three billion euros after decades of dependence on Russian aircraft.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has disappointed European capitals by refusing to join Western sanctions against Vladimir Putin's regime and keeping Serbia open to Russian business-while maintaining its EU membership bid.
But as pressure from Europe and the United States mounted, Vucic began to allow Serbian-made ammunition to be shipped to Ukraine and to buy Western weapons in addition to the Chinese and Russian systems currently used by the Serbian armed forces.
The contract is expected to be signed within the next two months in the presence of the French President. We are determined to acquire new aircraft that will significantly enhance our combat capabilities
A representative of the Serbian defense ministry told the Financial Times that the deal was "more than 90 percent agreed upon," but that the two sides still have to agree on financial terms.
The Elysee Palace declined to comment.
Serbia, whose Soviet MiG-29s will be retired in the next decade, wants to ensure the smooth operation of its air force.
Neighboring Croatia, an EU and NATO member that the Serbian armed forces consider a benchmark, also ordered 12 Rafale aircraft from France in 2021, although these aircraft are second-hand and cost only €1 billion.
In addition to a dozen aircraft, the Rafale deal will include support systems, training and maintenance.
Context
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has forced European countries to increase defense spending and helped France become the second largest arms exporter after the United States last year.
Given the Rafale's renewed popularity, its manufacturer, Dassault Aviation, has faced the challenge of producing the aircraft at a faster pace given the existing backlog: last year it delivered only 13 jets from its plant near Bordeaux, less than the 15 planned. This year, it plans to make 20, and then later increase to 36 annually.