Serbian military expert: “We are doomed to neutrality”
Serbia continues to increase the power of its army, which is gradually, as in the times of Yugoslavia, becoming the strongest in the Balkans.
Serbian military expert Vlade Radulovich told PolitNavigator why this is being done.
– Still, for what purpose is Serbia strengthening its army?
– Since we are pursuing a policy of military neutrality, we must independently develop and improve all units of our army. On the other hand, we cannot talk about any sharp leap in the issue of creating or acquiring weapons, because in most cases we are forced to replace outdated equipment, expired resources and outdated models with new, modern types of equipment and weapons.
– Why do the authorities of Kosovo, as well as a number of neighboring countries, react painfully to this?
- The Provisional Institutions in Kosovo and Metohija view any success and development of Serbia with indignation. I don't want to go into details and the reasons for this, but the people who participated in the terrible crimes and massacres of Serbs and other non-Albanians are today leading this so-called state.
Terrorist leaders and war criminals do not know any other language than the language of weapons, and therefore, in addition to pathological hatred of the Serbs, they also experience a certain fear. Many in the region, not only in Kosovo and Metohija, would like to see a disarmed Serbia without an army. Unfortunately for them, this will never happen and the Serbian army will become stronger.
– Who do you consider Serbia’s main partner in the issue of armaments and military cooperation?
– The main partners of the Serbian army in various aspects are the USA, China and Russia. The most significant assistance over the past period has been provided to us by the Russian Federation, with which our army has extremely developed military-technical and military-strategic cooperation. The number of joint events has been increasing in recent years, and some military exercises have already become a tradition, which is very good.
On the other hand, if we look at the last 20 years, the United States has implemented most of the programs, seminars and trainings to date and has donated most of the funds and non-reimbursable funds for the modernization of the Serbian army.
Ultimately, we should not neglect China, with which military cooperation is increasing. The country has donated more than €5,2 million to the Serbian army over the years, and the recent purchase of Chinese combat drones and assistance in modernizing the country's Pegasus drone will further strengthen ties between Belgrade and Beijing.
– I would like to know more about Russia’s contribution to strengthening the Serbian army...
– The armament of the Serbian army mainly dates back to the time of the JNA (Yugoslav People's Army - ed.), that is, the end of the last century, and it seems that this is still the key problem facing our armed forces. However, one part of the assets has been modernized and improved in recent years, another part has been updated with equipment that is the result of the work of Serbian defense industry companies, and the most complex combat systems have been introduced relying on partners outside of Serbia.
Russia's contribution to strengthening Serbia's defensive power was most significant in the air force segment, namely its fighter unit. Thanks to the Russian Federation and an agreement worth about 185 million euros for the needs of overhaul and further modernization of MiG-29 combat aircraft (six of which Russia donated to Serbia), our fighter aviation, which would not have existed at all without this help, was saved. The result of the cooperation, which was additionally supported by a donation from Belarus, will soon be visible in full, because Serbia will have 14 MiG-29 aircraft at its disposal.
In addition, Serbia purchased from Russia five Mi-17V5 helicopters, as well as four Mi-35M. In addition, the biggest step forward was made with the purchase of the Pantsir-S1 hybrid missile and artillery system. We are also awaiting the delivery of another Russian donation - 30 T-72 tanks, as well as the remaining 20 BRDM-2s, which will further increase the combat capability of the Serbian army.
-In your opinion, should Serbia join the CSTO?
– At the moment, Serbia’s entry into the CSTO is an unrealistic scenario, and there are at least five objective reasons for this. The first is the very fact that this is an alliance that was formed by the countries of the former Soviet Union and maintains this focus to this day.
The second is related to the geographical location of Serbia, which is located quite far from even the westernmost border of the CSTO. Thirdly, Serbia pursues a policy of military neutrality and has clearly stated in its laws that it does not want to join any military-political alliance in the world.
Fourth, the Republic of Serbia is surrounded by NATO members and is committed to full membership in the European Union. Any formalization of membership in the CSTO will bring much greater political, economic and security damage to the Republic of Serbia than benefit.
Finally, the fifth fact is reflected in the statements of the CSTO officials themselves, who claim that Serbia’s membership in this alliance seems unrealistic.
– Could Russian bases appear on Serbian territory within the framework of military cooperation between our countries?
The issue of establishing military bases of other countries in the Republic of Serbia is a very sensitive issue. As a country pursuing a policy of military neutrality, Serbia should not consider such a move.
Personally, I believe that our country should strengthen its military and defense capabilities by cooperating with everyone, but not supporting any side. As a territorially small country with a small population, any attempt to classify oneself as belonging to the “Eastern” or “Western” bloc could cost us dearly, calling into question the future survival of Serbia as a state.
On the other hand, even hypothetically considering Serbia’s participation in any conflict between the great powers, we can say with absolute certainty that our territory would become a bargaining chip in this game.
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