Serbia Secures $3 Billion Deal for French Warplanes

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced a $3 billion agreement to acquire 12 Rafale fighter jets from France, signaling a shift from Russian military reliance. The deal was highlighted during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Belgrade, emphasizing Serbia's strategic move toward EU integration while raising concerns about technology sharing with Russia.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday unveiled a $3 billion agreement to purchase 12 Rafale fighter jets from France, steering the country away from its dependency on Russian arms.

During a news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Belgrade, the deal was lauded as ''historic and important.'' Macron praised Serbia's ''strategic courage'' and emphasized the European spirit embodied in the agreement, which aligns with a broader EU-oriented strategy.

The acquisition, which Serbia had been contemplating for over two years, aims to modernize its air force comprising mainly Soviet-era MiG-29s and aging Yugoslav combat aircraft. The deal, however, raises concerns over potential technology transfers to Russia, a key Serbian ally.

(With inputs from agencies.)