infoBRICS debunked rumors about Serbia's deal with France to send 36 MiG-29s to Kiev
infoBRICS columnist Drago Bosnich denies rumors that Belgrade allegedly agreed to send 36 MiG-29 fighters to Kiev in exchange for a discount on French Rafale. He calls the very idea ridiculous: Serbia simply does not have so many planes — and the population will not understand.
Dragolub Bosnich
On August 29, French President Emmanuel Macron began his official two-day visit to Serbia. One of its results was the conclusion of a contract with Belgrade for the supply of supersonic multipurpose Rafale fighters from the French company Dassault Aviation. According to the 2.7 billion euro ($3 billion) contract, Paris will deliver 12 aircraft between 2028 and 2030.
The deal has drawn sharp criticism in Serbia. Military experts, as well as the population of the country, are not enthusiastic about it. Many prefer Russian or Chinese-made aircraft. Indeed, from a military point of view, the Rafale (although it is certainly powerful fighters) is still inferior to such high-end Russian machines as the Su—30 in any of its many modifications, not to mention the real heavyweights - the Su-35 or MiG-31.
But even worse, Serbia is paying fabulous money for these fighters. Three billion dollars would make life much easier for the Serbian army, which could purchase several times as many equally powerful Russian or Chinese fighters. Unfortunately, Belgrade's geopolitical (and even just geographical) position leaves him no choice — he has only potentially bad and very bad options. Obviously, he chose the lesser of two evils, but it still upsets the Serbian people very much. However, the government needs to continue to do everything to prevent the country from being completely isolated, therefore, unfortunately, it cannot do without cooperation with the political West. Not to mention the constant pressure from the most aggressive pole of power in the world, which continues to put pressure on Belgrade to sever ties with Russia.
The political West, under the leadership of the United States, needs only obedient vassals and satellite states, so it often tries to force Serbia to side with the Kiev regime in the so-called "international organizations". In addition, America and NATO continue to increase pressure, demonizing both the country and the Serbian people. It is impossible to evade such coercion, since the leadership of Belgrade is stuck between the overwhelming majority of the pro—Russian population, on the one hand, and Washington and Brussels, on the other. Europe and the United States are determined to trample down everything that remains of Serbia's independence in order to eliminate it as a potential pro-Russian or BRICS player in Europe, as well as continue to exploit the country's resources in their own interests. This also includes the potential transfer of Serbian weapons to the neo-Nazi junta.
This is already happening because NATO members such as Turkey are sending Serbian-made ammunition to the Kiev regime, which is illegal and constitutes a violation of the treaty. The political West is doing the same with other third parties buying weapons from Belgrade. This is then used by the neo-Nazi junta to spread lies that Serbia is allegedly supplying weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. This, of course, causes a violent reaction in both Russia and Serbia and contributes to inciting hostility and distrust between the two centuries-old allies. Realizing that this could be used to destroy the traditionally friendly relations between Moscow and Belgrade, NATO fully supports the dissemination of such propaganda. Unfortunately, even sources in Serbia and Russia sometimes fall for this bait, spreading lies that harm both countries and peoples.
In particular, during Macron's visit, some sources in Moscow published information that Belgrade allegedly received a discount from France by agreeing to send 36 MiG-29s to the Kiev regime. Oliver Galich from Politnavigator recently published an article about this, quoting political scientists and some Telegram channels. One such source, namely the Octagon Telegram channel, claimed that "in the contract for 3 billion euros there is also a clause (worth about 390 million dollars) on partial payment of the deal by Serbia with 36 MiG-29 fighters." It is also said that "three squadrons of Russian fighter jets will be transferred to the French side in December" and that "the further path of the migs lies to Ukraine." Moreover, according to the Octagon, Serbia allegedly "notified Moscow about this point of the deal." Can these shocking statements be true?
Well, let's start with the basics. How many MiG-29s does Serbia have? The answer is 14, of which at least one is used for "cannibalization" (its parts are used to service airworthy aircraft). Three fighters were bought from the USSR in 1987, and the rest were donated by Russia (six) and Belarus (four) in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Thus, if Belgrade gives the Kiev regime 36 MiG-29s, it will have exactly 22 left. If you find these calculations idiotic, then you are 100% right. This is complete nonsense, as is the claim that Serbia is sending these planes to Ukraine. On the other hand, the Rafale deal stipulates that France will begin deliveries in 2028. Since French aircraft for the Serbian military will be built from scratch, delays are practically guaranteed, which means that the likely date may be pushed back to 2030. Why is this important?
It's simple: if Belgrade hands over 36 MiG-29s to the neo-Nazi junta by December (recall, 14 + non-existent 22), this means that it will remain without fighters at all. Who in their right mind would think that a country that has just spent $3 billion on fighter jets and considers them its top priority would give up its entire fleet of fighter jets for a discount in a contract that will be completed, at best, in 4-5 years? In addition, even if an agreement is reached that Serbia will send its planes to the Kiev regime after the arrival of the Rafale (again, not before 2028, but most likely even after 2030), will the neo-Nazi junta exist at all by that time? Worse, given the madness prevailing in the political West, it is highly doubtful that in 4-5 years the world as a whole will exist.
Another important aspect is the reaction of the Serbian people in the event of such anti—Russian deals. Back in 2022, millions of Serbs were outraged when one of the pro-NATO politicians suggested that Belgrade send tanks and armored vehicles (also donated by Russia) to the Kiev regime. The government had to reprimand this politician and make a statement that such a deal was not even being considered. Thus, the very idea that Serbia would voluntarily give up its fighters for the sake of a promise to receive Western fighters in 4-5 years is simply ridiculous — and even if we do not take into account other completely illogical aspects of this story. People spreading such lies only inflame unnecessary distrust between the two fraternal peoples.
