Serbia shifts focus as Russian arms supply runs dry
The war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia have caused even its loyal, long-term allies to struggle. The Serbian army is increasingly facing issues related to the maintenance of Soviet-era and Russian weapons, which have been a significant part of their arsenal for years.
Serbia's inability to obtain necessary components from Russia means that, to keep MiG-29 fighter jets, T-72 tanks, and missile systems operational, It must seek spare parts in other countries. Milan Mojsilović, the Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, has confirmed this.
Serbia has trouble with Russian weapons
The Serbian military official explained that supplying weapons from the Russian Federation is currently almost impossible. As reported in an interview with the portal novosti.rs, efforts are being made to address this situation through alternative diplomatic channels.
Mojsilović did not disclose specific countries that have been chosen as alternative sources for the essential components needed to maintain Serbian armaments, much of which are Soviet-era equipment acquired through contracts with Moscow. Serbia operates about a dozen or so MiG-29 fighter jets, several dozen T-72 tanks, 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers, D-30 howitzers, M-46 130 mm caliber guns, Kub rocket launchers, and Strela-10 systems.
The Pancyr-S1 anti-aircraft systems, which Belgrade began receiving in 2020, are among the newer Russian weapons in service with the Serbian army. They are one of the top weapons of this type produced in Russia and were also used during the war in Ukraine. The Pancyr-S1 uses 57E6 or 57E6-E missiles with a range of approximately 12 miles. Additionally, it is equipped with 2A38M automatic cannons with a caliber of 30 mm and a range of about 2.5 miles.
Serbia is beginning to focus on Western weapons
Despite a significant reliance on Soviet-era and Russian weapons, there has been a noticeable shift in the approach of Serbian authorities, who are signing new arms contracts with various countries, including Western ones.
France and Spain agreed on Rafale fighter jets and transport aircraft to replace the Soviet-era An-26. At the beginning of 2025, a contract with Israel's Elbit Systems was announced, through which the Serbian army will acquire PULS artillery systems and Hermes 900 drones.
