Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has announced an ambitious defense partnership with Israel to co-produce attack drones. The move aims to modernize Belgrade's military capabilities and establish the Balkan nation as a regional leader in unmanned aerial technology.
The Elbit Connection
The partnership centers on a strategic collaboration between the Serbian state-owned arms manufacturer SDPR and Israel’s Elbit Systems. According to reports from the Belgrade-based news outlet BIRN:
- Ownership Structure: The proposed venture involves the establishment of a dedicated drone factory. Elbit Systems is expected to hold a 51% majority stake, with Serbia maintaining the remaining 49%.
- Vučić’s Vision: President Vučić acknowledged Israel's technological edge, stating, "We cannot produce drones like Israel. We will do it together, and we will have the best drones in this part of the world."
A Massive Defense Overhaul
The joint venture is part of a broader, multi-billion-dollar effort by Serbia to phase out aging Soviet-era technology, such as the MiG-29, in favor of Western and Israeli systems:
- Recent Acquisitions: In early 2025, Serbia purchased PULS artillery systems and Hermes drones from Elbit in a deal worth $335 million.
- Expanding Arsenal: By August 2025, Belgrade signed a massive $1.6 billion agreement for long-range missiles, electronic warfare equipment, and additional UAVs.
- Diversified Procurement: Alongside Israeli tech, Serbia has recently integrated French Rafale fighter jets and Chinese-made missiles and drones into its fleet.
The relationship is not one-sided. Vučić confirmed that while Serbia imports high-end Israeli technology, Belgrade is actively exporting ammunition and other military hardware to Israel. This reciprocal defense trade underscores a strengthening strategic alliance between the two nations amidst shifting global tensions.
