Serbia's escalating arms procurement signals enhanced tensions, says New Europe Institute expert
19 February 2024 09:07
Belgrade has been augmenting its armory for years now, with equipment flowing in from various sources. The procurements have been strategically distributed by their multi-vector policy. That said, in recent times, a substantial amount of weaponry has been sourced from Russia and China, observes Bielamowicz.
On Wednesday, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced the acquisition of the Repellent anti-drone system from Russia, assuring that this transaction had long been agreed upon. In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Belgrade has not established new contracts for weapon deliveries from Russia. Previously, however, they have purchased an anti-tank system 'Kornet', a self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery missile system 'Pantsir-S1' and military helicopters from Russia. The cost of these procurements remains undisclosed by the Serbian Ministry of Defense.
In addition, Chinese drones CH-95 and the Chinese air defense system FK-3 have been received by the Serbian army. The value of the contracts for these Chinese weapons has also not been disclosed.
The New Europe Institute's analyst highlights that alongside the growing military arsenal, "the last decade of Vucic's rule has seen the Serbian army being honed and bolstered with a stance of national pride and power".
What we are encountering lately is a surge in power projection and political messages constructed around the discourse of arms and military, adds Bielamowicz. He emphasises the dual nature of these signals, being directed not only beyond Serbian borders but also towards Serbian society.
"Serbia escalates tensions with weapon purchases"
Bielamowicz believes that Belgrade is attempting to communicate to the West its strategic partnership with Eastern countries like China and Russia in the military realm. Even considerable political investments to sway Serbia towards the West, especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have been ineffective, according to the expert.
From my standpoint, Serbia is escalating the regional tensions with these purchases, aiming to assert their terms. Washington, on the other hand, is desperately trying to avert another Balkan conflict amidst numerous ongoing global disputes, highlights Bielamowicz.
The analyst also mentions that the ongoing arms build-up in Serbia has to be understood within its historical context and in terms of its relations with Kosovo. Both Prishtina and Belgrade are escalating their military prowess in response to each other, he argues.
Significant investments in military by Serbia
In January 2024, Kosovo's request to procure Javelin anti-tank missiles was approved by Washington. Armend Muja, a parliamentarian for Kosovo's governing party Self-Determination (alb. Vetevendosje) led by Albin Kurti, stated that the country purchased "one missile for every tank in Serbia's arsenal". "Serbia's acquisition of equipment from Russia and China, signifies a potential threat to us, their military investments currently exceed that of the Slobodan Milosevic era," noted Muja.
On being questioned about this, Serbia's defense minister Milos Vuczevic expressed that "anything received by Albanians is perceived as a threat to Serbia".
After NATO's military campaign in 1999, Serbia lost control over Kosovo, spurred by the war in Kosovo. To this day, Belgrade refuses to recognise the independence declared in 2008 by its former province. Article by Jakub Bawołek.
