The war in Ukraine is driving a reconfiguration of relations between various countries. One example of this situation is the case of Serbia and Russia, which, despite their historical national, cultural, and religious ties, have had to cancel and suspend several contracts for the acquisition of military equipment for their Armed Forces. This situation was highlighted in a recent interview given by the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Army, General Milan Mojsilović, to the local media outlet Novosti.

To provide a brief overview of the equipment in service within the Serbian Armed Forces, its various services and branches operate a wide variety of Russian/Soviet-origin equipment, much of which was inherited from the era of the former Yugoslavia. A significant portion of this equipment was produced locally under license and modified to meet local requirements.

For instance, the M-84 tanks (based on the Soviet T-72s) are an example, as well as the T-72B1MS tanks donated by Moscow years ago. Additionally, the inventory includes wheeled armored combat vehicles like the BTR-80A and reconnaissance vehicles such as the BRDM-2. In the realm of military aviation, Serbia operates MiG-29 fighter jets, Mi-17 helicopters, and Mi-35 attack helicopters. Finally, it is also worth noting that Russia completed the sale of short-range Pantsir air defense systems several years ago.

The war in Ukraine and the series of sanctions imposed on Russia have forced the Serbian Armed Forces to implement various plans. During the aforementioned interview, General Milan Mojsilović detailed the situation, stating:“We have found ways to ensure, even under sanctions against Moscow, a sustainable and flexible system for the supply of spare parts and the maintenance of military equipment. For a considerable portion of this weaponry in the Serbian Army, conditions exist to carry out the highest levels of maintenance, as well as the production and regeneration of spare parts, which currently constitute one of the most important sources of supply.”

However, regarding the acquisition of new equipment from Russia, the high command reported that: “As for the delivery of weaponry from the Russian Federation, it is currently practically impossible. Through diplomatic channels, we are trying to find ways to overcome this new situation. Some contracts have been cancelled, and others postponed, hoping that the situation in international relations at the global level will normalize and allow the agreements to be executed.”

Krasukha electronic warfare system – Credits: Vitaly V. Kuzmin

For example, Novosti inquired about the acquisition of Krasukha electronic warfare systems. Unfortunately, General Mojsilović did not specify whether the incorporation of these systems had been cancelled or merely suspended, awaiting better international conditions.

The current situation has not prevented Serbia from promoting the diversification of its military equipment suppliers, finding options in Europe and the People’s Republic of China. This is evidenced by the recent confirmation of the purchase of 12 new Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France, as well as the acquisition of C295 transport aircraft and H145M helicopters provided by Airbus.

Another case is the incorporation of military equipment from the People’s Republic of China. Various sales have been successfully concluded with Beijing, the most notable being the FK-3 medium-range air defense systems, the export version of the HQ-22 system used by the People’s Liberation Army. As of today, these systems are operational with the 250th Air Defense Missile Brigade, as recently reported by the Serbian Ministry of Defense.

*Photographs used for illustrative purposes – Credits: Serbian Ministry of Defense (@mo_i_vs)

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