Serbia opens drone assembly factory, boosts military ties with Israel

Serbia has inaugurated a new factory for assembling advanced Israeli-made drones, a move aimed at bolstering its military capabilities. The facility was launched on Thursday by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in partnership with an unnamed Israeli company, marking a significant step in Serbia's defense sector.

This development comes amid Serbia's ongoing efforts to strengthen its military amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. Vucic emphasized the ambition behind the factory, stating in a social media post, "Our plans are huge." He also mentioned that at least three additional factories in collaboration with Israeli partners are planned to be opened across the country. The Serbian military aims to utilize these drones not only for national defense but also for export to other countries.

The factory is expected to create approximately 100 jobs and produce cutting-edge equipment for the Serbian Armed Forces. However, details about the factory's exact location and the identity of the Israeli partner remain undisclosed, with Vucic citing confidentiality as a reason for limiting media access at the inauguration. Investigative reports suggest that Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense firm with a controversial history, is likely the partner involved in this venture. The firm has faced criticism for its operations in Gaza and the West Bank.

Serbia's military expansion coincides with a notable increase in arms exports to Israel, which surged from 1.4 million euros in 2023 to an anticipated 42.3 million euros in 2024. As Serbia remains one of the few non-NATO countries in the Western Balkans, it has been investing heavily in its military to maintain a stance of neutrality. Despite international calls for arms restrictions amid ongoing conflicts, Serbia's relationship with Israel continues to strengthen, positioning it as one of Israel's most steadfast allies in the region.