TSAMTO, December 30. Until now, Belgrade has mainly purchased defensive weapons from Russia, as well as used military equipment. In the future, the possibility of buying new aircraft and air defense systems is being considered.
This, as RIA Novosti reports, was stated by Serbian President Alexander Vucic.
As the agency reminds, A.Vucic previously stated that the country's defense budget, which is planned for 2022 in the amount of over 1.1 billion rubles. In the future, it will be increased by another 500 million euros for the purchase of equipment and weapons. So, in 2022-2023, Belgrade plans to receive about 30 helicopters: 11 new H-145 manufactured by Airbus, four Mi-35 and three Mi-17 from Russia, as well as 11 Mi-35s that were in service as part of the Armed Forces of one of the EU countries.
A.Vucic delivered an address on December 29, in which he spoke about the results of 2021 and plans for 2022.
"Fighters and bombers of the 4+ generation are currently in service with the Serbian Armed Forces, we are thinking about additional purchases of fighter and fighter-bomber aircraft. When I say "thinking", it means that we are close to making final decisions, including regarding additional purchases of air defense systems," RIA Novosti quotes the Serbian leader.
A day earlier, the country's Defense Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic spoke on national television about the purchases for the Serbian army of four Mi-35 helicopters, three Mi-17 and two new Pantsir-C1 batteries in Russia, two CASA C-295 Airbus Military transport aircraft, 11 H-145 Airbus helicopters, 18 Mistral MANPADS.
As for the announced purchase of 11 used Mi-35 helicopters in Cyprus, the head of the Ministry of Defense confirmed that negotiations are underway on the price, modernization and repair. According to him, "the Air Force will have the last word on this issue."
The head of the Serbian Defense Ministry also said that the modernization of fighter aircraft is being considered and the Air Force command is considering the possibility of acquiring both Russian aircraft and French Rafale fighters on an alternative basis.
According to RIA Novosti, Serbia is the largest importer of Russian weapons and military equipment in Europe. In December, the Kornet ATGM purchased in the Russian Federation arrived in the country. Over the past few years, Russia has transferred 30 upgraded T-72MS tanks, 30 BRDM-2 armored vehicles, seven Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, and six MiG-29 fighters to Serbia. Belgrade also acquired a battery of ZRPC "Pantsir-S1".