Elena Panina, a outstanding member of the United Russia celebration and former deputy speaker of the State Duma, shared on her Telegram channel that France will deduct $390 million from a complete of $3 billion for the supply of 36 Russian-produced MiG-29 fighters to Paris.
“The planes [MiG-29] might be handed over to the French in December, after which they are going to be despatched to Ukraine. Moscow has already been knowledgeable of this side of the settlement,” Panina writes. She provides that “it’s unlikely that Belgrade would have acquired permission from the Russian authorities for this motion.” Panina is satisfied that every part has already been agreed upon and notes that “this isn’t the primary time Serbian weapons have been delivered to Kyiv.”
“Ukraine acquired 800 million euros value of ammunition from Serbia by way of an middleman. This example begs the query: To which nations can Russia safely promote weapons with out fearing they may at some point be turned towards us?” Panina contemplated.
Serbia responded
Nevertheless, the Serbian authorities swiftly addressed these claims, categorically denying any reality to them. An announcement from the Serbian protection division dismissed the rumors, clarifying that the contract for 12 Rafale fighters contains no clauses about transferring MiG-29s to France or subsequently delivering them to Ukraine.
Minister of Protection Bratislav Gašić has countered claims circulating in each home and regional media relating to Serbia’s buy of 12 new Rafale planes from Dassault Aviation. The media inaccurately reported that this deal features a clause demanding the switch of Serbian MiG-29 jets to France and ultimately to Ukraine.
“That is one more blatant lie geared toward tarnishing the procurement of our 12 model new fourth-generation Rafale multirole fighter jets. The MiGs that belong to Serbia are right here to remain, and we won’t hand them over to anybody,” Minister Gašić clarified.
He additional famous, “Because of President Vučić’s accountable insurance policies, Serbia now boasts 14 modernized MiG-29 plane.” Gašić additionally reminded us that, “Below the ‘efforts’ of Ponoš and others like him, our fighter aviation was so uncared for that, simply over a decade in the past, there have been days when not a single MiG-29 was in a position to take off and defend our airspace.”
“Serbia is dedicated to retaining its MiG-29 jets, guaranteeing they continue to be operational for a number of extra years. Along with this, we are going to proceed buying superior fight gear to boost the Serbian Armed Forces’ capabilities and promote peace and stability,” emphasised Gašić.
Serbian MiG-29s
The Serbian Air Power operates roughly 14 MiG-29 fighter jets. These plane have been initially acquired in two batches: the primary set got here from the previous Yugoslav Air Power within the late Nineteen Eighties, and subsequent donations from Russia and Belarus between 2017 and 2021 additional bolstered the fleet with a mixture of used jets for modernization.
Serbia has undertaken important upgrades to its MiG-29 fleet over time, incorporating fashionable avionics, superior radar techniques, and compatibility with cutting-edge weaponry to fulfill NATO requirements. The newest enhancements, a part of a complete overhaul involving Russian technicians, goal to increase the jets’ service life and increase their fight effectiveness.
The modernization of Serbia’s MiG-29s stands as a vital element in sustaining an efficient air protection drive within the area. Though the fleet is comparatively small, the current upgrades empower Serbia to proceed deploying these iconic fighter jets because the cornerstone of its air protection technique effectively into the 2020s.
Why Rafale?
In a big pivot from its conventional reliance on Russian navy gear, Serbia has determined to buy 12 Dassault Rafale fighter jets. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić underscored that this acquisition will markedly improve the operational capabilities of Serbia’s navy.
Calling the deal a “main growth,” Vučić expressed pleasure in Serbia becoming a member of the “Rafale membership,” noting that it marks the primary time Serbia will function Western jets. He additionally dismissed issues about any potential sharing of Rafale expertise with Russia, insisting that Serbia has no plans to take action.
This acquisition marks Serbia’s strategic push in direction of deeper integration with the European Union. French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the settlement as “historic and vital,” commending Serbia for its “strategic braveness” and a call that embodies a European outlook. This initiative aligns with France’s broader mission to fortify its ties with Serbia and bolster its EU ambitions, whilst Serbia maintains shut connections with Russia.
Serbian Minister of Protection Bratislav Gašić highlighted that the Rafale jets will modernize Serbia’s air capabilities, successfully changing the outdated Soviet-era MiG-29s. The deal, inked in August 2024 throughout a gathering between Vučić and Macron, underscores enhanced protection cooperation between France and Serbia. This procurement will revitalize Serbia’s air drive and diminish reliance on Chilly Warfare-era techniques.
Moscow responded
Moscow’s preliminary response to Serbia’s announcement of buying French weapons was surprisingly composed. Nevertheless, the Kremlin’s rising unease with Serbia’s actions is changing into extra obvious. In mild of this, Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, emphasised that the choice was solely as much as “our Serbian buddies.”
The Russian media devoted important protection to Emmanuel Macron’s go to to Serbia, with a specific give attention to the arms buy. In response to the Moscow newspaper Vedomosti, Macron’s major aim was “to promote Rafale” fighter jets to Serbia. But, the newspaper suggests there’s extra to the story. This “maneuver” is seen as an effort by France—and by extension, Brussels—to “pull Serbia away from Russia” and additional combine it into the EU with extra “commitments.”
***
Observe us in all places and at any time. BulgarianMilitary.com has responsive design and you may open the web page from any pc, cell units or internet browsers. For extra up-to-date information, observe our Google Information, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter and Fb pages. Our requirements: Manifesto & moral ideas.
