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Serbia is preparing to sign the largest arms deal in its modern history with France. And this will be a sign that Russia's war in Ukraine is prompting one of Moscow's closest allies to diversify its arms purchases, writes the Financial Times.
It is noted that Belgrade plans to order a dozen French Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation worth 3 billion euros, marking a long-term commitment by the West after decades of dependence on Russian aircraft.
“Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has disappointed European capitals by refusing to join Western sanctions against Vladimir's regime Putin and keeping Serbia open to Russian business while maintaining its bid to join the EU. But as pressure from Europe and the United States intensified, Vučić began to allow the delivery of Serbian-made ammunition to Ukraine and the purchase of Western weapons in addition to the Chinese and Russian systems currently used by the Serbian armed forces. according to the publication.
A representative of the Serbian Ministry of Defense said that the deal was “more than 90% agreed upon”, but the two sides have yet to agree on financial terms. According to the Serbian official, the war in Ukraine accelerated their diversification.
“The contract is expected to be signed in the next two months and in the presence of the French president. We are determined to purchase new aircraft that will significantly improve our combat capabilities,”, – stated Vučić in Paris last week after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.