Serbia purchases 12 Dassault Rafale jets in historic defense deal with France

In a landmark development in international defense relations, Serbia has signed a significant contract with France to purchase 12 Dassault Rafale fighter jets. The high-profile agreement was formalized in Belgrade in the presence of President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia. Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, and Bratislav Gašić, Serbia’s Minister of Defense, signed the contract, marking a pivotal moment in the military collaboration between the two nations.

The Dassault Rafale, a multirole fighter aircraft known for its advanced avionics, superior maneuverability, and versatility in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, will play a crucial role in modernizing Serbia’s Air Force and Air Defence systems. This deal not only represents Serbia’s first purchase of Dassault Aviation aircraft but also highlights the Rafale’s position as a leading asset in global defense.

The Rafale jets are equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including the RBE2 AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and a range of precision-guided munitions. These features make the Rafale particularly effective in complex combat environments, enhancing Serbia’s ability to respond to a variety of threats and maintain national sovereignty.

Éric Trappier, during the signing ceremony, expressed his appreciation to the Serbian authorities for their confidence in Dassault Aviation. He emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring the Rafale’s successful integration into the Serbian Armed Forces and underscored the aircraft’s proven track record in delivering superior performance and reliability.

The agreement also includes comprehensive training and support packages to ensure that Serbian pilots and maintenance personnel can fully utilize the capabilities of the Rafale jets. This aspect of the deal reflects Dassault Aviation’s commitment to providing long-term support and fostering a strong defense partnership with Serbia.

This defense deal comes at a time when Serbia is actively seeking to enhance its military capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics. The acquisition of the Rafale jets is expected to significantly bolster Serbia’s air defense infrastructure and enhance its strategic posture in the Balkans.

The signing of this contract, witnessed by top officials from both France and Serbia, marks a significant milestone in the defense cooperation between the two countries. It reinforces the strategic partnership between France and Serbia and positions the Rafale as a key component in Serbia’s defense strategy.