Serbia has purchased 11 Russian Mi-35 helicopters from Cyprus, partially paying for them with its own weapons, to strengthen its
air force, according to President Vucic. The country continues to balance between East and West by acquiring various international
military technologies.
Serbia has purchased 11 Russian-made Mi-35 military helicopters from Cyprus.
made in Cyprus. In this way, the country is trying to strengthen its
air force and maintain its regional military advantage. This was stated
was stated by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic during the inspection of the equipment, according to Reuters,
reports UNN.
Details
It is noted that in 2021, Cyprus and Serbia agreed to
to purchase outdated Mi-35s in need of major repairs. The price was uncertain.
Belgrade paid by exporting Serbian-made weapons.
We paid more than half to Cypriot brothers
with our weapons, mainly artillery
According to the newspaper, Serbia still relies on former Soviet military technology, but
Soviet military technology, but in recent years it has begun to purchase
Western and Chinese weapons systems and aircraft.
Context
Vucic recently announced talks to buy Rafale fighter jets from
Rafale fighter jets from a French company. Serbia is military neutral, but
has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace program for countries that
that do not seek to join the alliance.
Belgrade curtailed military cooperation with Moscow after
Russia invaded Ukraine and condemned the war. But unlike the EU and other
Western countries, it did not impose sanctions on Moscow.