Serbia buys twelve fighter jets from Dassault Aviation

BELGRADE (dpa-AFX) – Serbia is buying twelve Rafale fighter jets from the French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. These are to gradually replace the Balkan country's current Soviet-built fleet. Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic announced this at a meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Belgrade. The purchase contract had previously been signed, with a total value of 2.7 billion euros. This also includes maintenance and logistics.

Serbia's army mainly has Soviet-made MIG fighter planes. “Serbia's decision to purchase Rafale fighter planes is a clear decision for a long-term alliance between our two countries,” said Macron. The choice for the Rafale fighter jets is a choice for a long-term bond between Serbia and a strengthened Europe.

“Serbia's place is in the European Union,” said Macron. He hopes that the accession negotiations will progress. However, according to recent polls, only 35 percent of Serbs are in favor of joining the EU. Vucic is accused of an autocratic style of government and of having too close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin./kl/DP/he

Dassault Aviation shares are valued at a plus of +3.27 % and a price of 196EUR traded on Tradegate (29 August 2024, 21:05).