The Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia has highlighted the significant strengthening of the Serbian armed forces, particularly in the realms of air defense and drone systems, due to Chinese military equipment.
In an interview with the state-controlled Global Times, Miloš Vučević, who also serves as Serbia’s Minister of Defense, emphasized the importance of military and economic cooperation in bilateral relations between Serbia and China. He described the numerous investments from China as crucial to his country.
The modernization efforts within the Serbian armed forces, Vučević explained, primarily aim to bolster the nation’s defense capabilities.
China’s President Xi Jinping recently pledged support for Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Beijing. This underscores the strong strategic coordination between the two countries.
Minister Vučević singled out the Chinese FK-3 medium-range air defense missile system and the CH-95 and CH-92A unmanned aerial vehicles as among the most significant defense systems Serbia has acquired.
In April of the previous year, Serbia showcased Chinese-made surface-to-air missiles, alongside other military equipment obtained from Russia and Western sources.
In 2019, Serbia procured the FK-3 air defense system, a system akin to the Russian S-300 or the American Patriot system, and it was delivered last year.
Recent months have seen escalating tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, the latter declaring independence from Serbia in 2008 after NATO’s intervention in 1999.
Both the United States and Russia, a staunch supporter of Serbia, are closely monitoring the situation.
Minister Vučević indicated that Serbia plans to enhance its capabilities to protect its independence but did not disclose specific plans regarding further Chinese military acquisitions.
He expressed confidence in the continued development of the relationship between both countries, emphasizing China’s role as one of Serbia’s “most reliable” friends.
