BELGRADE – In a landmark agreement signed on Thursday, Serbia has committed to purchasing twelve Rafale warplanes from France’s Dassault Aviation.
The deal, valued at $2.7 billion, was formalized during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Belgrade, signaling a significant shift in Serbia’s military and diplomatic landscape.
Under the terms of the agreement, Serbia will acquire nine single-seat and three two-seat Rafale jets by 2029. The purchase is a major step in Serbia’s plan to modernize its air force and phase out its aging Soviet-era combat aircraft.
Dassault Aviation’s Chief Executive Eric Trappier confirmed the deal, highlighting its strategic importance for both nations.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his enthusiasm for the deal, stating, “We are happy to become part of the Rafale club. We thank the president of France for making this decision and for enabling us to purchase the new Rafales.”
Vucic emphasized that the contract’s total value stands at $2.7 billion, though he did not specify the currency involved.
President Macron hailed the agreement as a testament to the deepening ties between France and Serbia. During a press conference in Belgrade, Macron remarked, “The deal points to a long-term alliance between our two countries within a stronger and more sovereign Europe.”
He described the agreement as a “strategic change” and praised Serbia for its courage in pursuing the deal despite significant international pressure.
The Rafale jets are versatile, capable of engaging in air-to-air combat, striking ground and sea targets, and performing reconnaissance missions.
This multi-role capability makes them a valuable asset for Serbia as it seeks to enhance its military capabilities and shift away from older Soviet-era equipment.
The Rafale deal is part of a broader effort by France to strengthen economic and political ties with Serbia. Macron’s visit to Belgrade included several other agreements aimed at deepening bilateral relations.
France has significantly increased its economic footprint in Serbia, with trade between the two nations tripling over the past twelve years. French companies are also involved in major infrastructure projects in Belgrade, including the renovation of Nikola Tesla Airport, the construction of the city’s first metro station, and a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant.
Analyst Vuk Vuksanovic from the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy suggested that the Rafale purchase could be seen as a strategic maneuver by President Vucic.
“Vucic likely views the Rafale deal as crucial for securing France’s support in the future,” Vuksanovic told AFP. He added that by investing in such a high-value military asset, Vucic might be aiming to gain favor and political backing from Macron.
The deal also aligns with Serbia’s broader strategy of diversifying its international partnerships. Traditionally close to Russia and China, Serbia has sourced arms from both nations and relied on them for diplomatic support in its long-standing dispute with Kosovo.
Despite these traditional alliances, Serbia’s recent military procurement from France indicates a shift towards balancing its foreign relations and strengthening its ties with Western nations.
In July, Serbia signed a significant deal with the European Union to develop its lithium resources, a crucial component for Europe’s green transition.
However, Serbia’s environmental policies have been controversial, particularly regarding a lithium mining project that faced public protests.
President Vucic reinstated permits for the mine after initially revoking them, reflecting the complex interplay between economic interests and environmental concerns.
Despite these advancements, Serbia remains an outlier in Europe due to its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Serbia has continued to rely on support from Moscow and Beijing to prevent international recognition of Kosovo’s independence.
This geopolitical stance underscores the delicate balancing act Serbia must perform as it navigates its path towards European Union membership, a goal it has pursued since 2012. However, normalization of relations with Kosovo remains a significant obstacle.
In a letter released to the Serbian press on Thursday morning, President Macron reiterated France’s support for Serbia’s EU aspirations. “Serbia fully belongs in the EU,” Macron stated, emphasizing his commitment to Serbia’s integration into the European fold.
The Rafale deal, therefore, represents not only a substantial military investment for Serbia but also a strategic realignment in its foreign policy.
As Serbia continues to balance its historical ties with Russia and China with its evolving relationship with Western Europe, the acquisition of Rafale jets symbolizes a pivotal moment in its efforts to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its position on the international stage.
With the Rafale jets expected to arrive by 2029, Serbia’s air force modernization will proceed alongside ongoing infrastructure and economic development initiatives.
The deal with France signifies a noteworthy shift in Serbia’s defense procurement strategy and highlights the broader trends of shifting alliances and strategic realignments in the region.
