Over the past few hours, an image has captured the attention of the global community of specialists. More specifically, it has been confirmed through a series of photographs that the iconic MiG-29 fighters of the Serbian Air Force are being equipped with CM-400 cruise missiles supplied by China, within the framework of the strengthening of military cooperation between Belgrade and Beijing.
In the aforementioned photograph, which was accompanied by another published later, one of the MiG-29 still in service with the Serbian Air Force can be seen equipped with two CM-400 cruise missiles, which are a development of the company China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), thus providing the Soviet/Russian-origin aircraft with unique air-to-surface combat capabilities for the Balkan region.
Before going into particular details about the missile, as well as the possible efforts undertaken by Serbian and Chinese technicians for the missile-aircraft integration, it should be mentioned that the Serbian Air Force currently has the MiG-29 as its main combat aircraft, these being survivors of the units acquired during the 1980s, in the times of the former Yugoslavia.
Following the conflicts that led to the disintegration of the country, Serbia managed to maintain a reduced core of MiG-29 aircraft, survivors of Operation Allied Force carried out by NATO. Currently, although availability figures may vary, the country would maintain, after receiving aircraft transferred by Moscow, a fleet composed of fourteen examples modestly upgraded to the “MiG-29SM+” version.
Looking toward the future, it should not be overlooked that, in view of the difficulty of their maintenance and sustainment —which has largely been achieved thanks to the good and historic relations between Serbia and Russia— this has become increasingly difficult over the years.
This motivated Belgrade to launch one of its most ambitious military modernization plans with the purchase from France of twelve (12) new Dassault Rafale fighters, thus emulating what Croatia has done, which has already incorporated its F3R aircraft following their transfer from the French Air and Space Force.
Although the signing of the contract and its implementation seemed to define the future of the MiG-29, which would remain awaiting their French replacement before being withdrawn from service, the integration with new Chinese armament, such as the aforementioned CM-400 missiles and bombs, could be an indication that, despite the incorporation of Rafale aircraft, they could continue operating in another role focused on standoff-type attack missions.
Now, returning to the presence of the Chinese missiles on the Serbian MiG-29s, it should not be overlooked the growing ties between Belgrade and Beijing, where the Chinese government is positioning itself as an alternative and new supplier of military equipment, a role historically occupied by Russia.
Prior to the confirmation of the provision of CM-400 missiles, the Serbian Armed Forces had already incorporated and operate their new FK-3 air defense systems, an export version of the HQ-22 in service with the Air Force of the People’s Liberation Army (PLAAF).
Continuing the analysis, it should also be mentioned that the integration of the CM-400/MiG-29 pairing has been possible with the provision of other equipment supplied by China, among which the Standalone Weapon Fire Control System (SWFCS) from CATIC—designated as WZHK-1—stands out, which allows the integration of missiles and bombs of this origin on other combat platforms; as evidenced by another photograph showing another MiG-29, or possibly the same one, equipped with a 1,000-pound LS6-500 guided bomb.
Focusing again on the CM-400, it is worth highlighting the standoff and long-range strike capabilities it provides to the Serbian Air Force, being described as a quasi-ballistic missile launched from the air. Powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor, it could be highly maneuverable and especially suitable for anti-surface attacks.
Finally, and with the confirmation of its provision —although it has not yet been clarified in what operational state it currently is, or whether the recorded flights were test and evaluation missions— Serbia has become a new operator of the CM-400, the first being the Pakistan Air Force, which employs them on its JF-17 Thunder fighters.
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