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After Ending Contracts With Russia, Serbia Advances Drone Development

Serbia has accelerated the development of its own unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) following a decision to terminate contracts with Russia.

State-owned defense firm Yugoimport announced significant progress in advancing kamikaze and first-person view drones, along with specialized ammunition tailored for these systems.

Recently, the company integrated mechanical and electronic fuses into its bomber drones, improving their reliability and accuracy on the battlefield.

Additionally, Yugoimport enhanced the operational flexibility of its lightweight UAVs by equipping them with modified 40mm grenade launchers.

The company is also working on incorporating anti-tank rocket launchers and machine guns into its attack drones, boosting the Serbian Army’s firepower and lethality.

These advancements reflect Belgrade’s commitment to defense innovation and its adaptation to evolving military needs.

Increasing Threats

The ongoing war in Ukraine has underscored the critical role drones play in modern warfare, especially in surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes.

Although not involved in the conflict, Belgrade is facing increasing security threats, particularly from regional tensions with Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

In December 2024, Pristina accused Serbia of adopting Russian tactics to intimidate its regional rival, following an explosion along a waterway near Zubin Potok, a volatile area in northern Kosovo.

In response to these heightened tensions, Serbia announced plans to boost defense spending, focusing on the development of domestically-produced armaments.

Serbia-Russia Relations

Serbia is a long-standing ally of Russia, with Moscow often regarded as a protector of Belgrade’s interests in the Balkans.

However, their relationship has faced challenges following Serbia’s decision to terminate military contracts with Russia due to international sanctions.

Serbian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Milan Mojsilovic stated that Serbia had already devised plans to acquire military equipment from other nations to support its ongoing modernization efforts.

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