Serbia has signed a landmark agreement with France's Dassault Aviation for the purchase of 12 new Rafale fighter jets for 2.7 billion euros, in a shift away from its traditional ally Russia.
Serbian Presdient Aleksandar Vucic announced the deal for 12 multi-purpose warplanes during a joint news conference in Belgrade with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is visiting in an attempt to strengthen Serbia's ties with the European Union.
Macron called the deal "historic and important" and said it demonstrated Serbia's "strategic courage" and "European spirit."
The agreement, signed by Serbia's Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic and Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier, also includes a complete auxiliary logistics package, spare engines and parts.
"A dozen of brand new aircraft will be owned by Serbia ... this will contribute to a significant increase in the operational capabilities of our army," Vucic said.
"We are happy to become a part of the Rafale club."
Shift away from Russia
The acquisition suggests a shift in Serbia's security and political stance, moving away from Russia – its traditional ally and weapons supplier.
Macron said Europe needs a strong and democratic Serbia, while Belgrade needs a "strong and sovereign EU".
"Choice of Rafale jets by Serbia is in this context a clear choice of long-term alliance between our two countries," Macron said.
Vucic also sought to assure that Serbia will not share Rafales technology with Moscow.
"We are not Russian spies to transfer technology, we paid for this with Serbian citizens' money," Vucic said.
Belgrade curtailed military cooperation with Moscow after Russia invaded Ukraine. It has condemned the invasion, but unlike the EU, which it wants to join, it has not imposed sanctions on Moscow.
To become a member of the EU, Serbia would have to improve democracy, the rule of law and judiciary, root out corruption, red tape and organised crime and mend ties with Kosovo which unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008.
It must also align its foreign policies with those of Brussels, including imposing sanctions against Russia.
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(with newswires)
