Serbia has received the green light to purchase 12 new Rafale multi-role fighter jets, according to the French media.
Technical negotiations were completed earlier this summer. Given that the delivery of French fighter jets to third countries like Serbia also represents a significant geopolitical issue, the French have pointed out that during July, Macron praised Vucic’s commitment to the “normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, European mediation, and the importance of implementing the Ohrid Agreement.” Reportedly, Macron personally played a crucial role in finalizing this diplomatic and economic cooperation.
The deal now awaits the final approval from French President Emmanuel Macron, who is expected to sign the agreement between Belgrade and Dassault Aviation, thus confirming not only the intensified military cooperation but also the growing strategic partnership between Serbia and France. The agreement is anticipated to be officially confirmed during Macron’s upcoming two-day visit to Belgrade on Thursday, August 29th.
With this move, the French Republic is solidifying its strategic interests in the region, making both Croatia and Serbia proud users of top-tier French military technology.
According to French media, Dassault Aviation’s campaign in Serbia, supported by official Paris, has been ongoing for several years. Initially, discussions centered around the purchase of just six aircraft. However, Vucic has decided to acquire a full dozen of these planes at a cost of three billion euros. This acquisition positions Serbia as the third European country and the eighth globally (alongside Egypt, Qatar, India, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates) to purchase French Rafales. Furthermore, this acquisition will also enable Serbia to modernize its existing fleet of MiG-21s and MiG-29s, as well as domestic aircraft such as the J-22 Orao and G-4 Super Galeb, which were once produced in Mostar. It’s worth noting that in Croatia’s purchase of used Rafales, no agreement was concluded for joint development or production of military technology in any segment, N1 writes.
E.Dz.
