Serbia buys 11 Mi-35 helicopters from Cyprus to strengthen its air force

Serbia buys 11 Mi-35 helicopters from Cyprus to strengthen its air force

Kyiv  •  UNN

November 24 2023, 12:49 AM • 23565 views

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It is noted that in 2021, Cyprus and Serbia agreed to to purchase outdated Mi-35s in need of major repairs.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.

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We paid more than half to Cypriot brothers with our weapons, mainly artillery

Vucic told reporters at a presentation at the Batajnica military airbase near Belgrade.

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.