Serbia to get 12 Rafale fighter jets from France for $3 billion

Europe, News August 31, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

Serbia has taken a significant step in modernizing its air force by signing a €2.7 billion ($3 billion) deal with France’s Dassault Aviation to buy 12 Rafale fighter jets. The contract was signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Belgrade on August 29, 2024.

This acquisition, which includes nine single-seat and three two-seat jets, marks a strategic shift as Serbia moves to replace its aging MiG-29 fleet with the advanced multi-role Rafales, enhancing its military capabilities amid a complex geopolitical landscape.

The French Rafale jets would enhance the country’s defense capabilities across air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. Serbia is expected to receive the Rafale jets by 2029.

Rafale fighter jet deal signed during Macron’s visit

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed gratitude to France, highlighting the significance of the acquisition. “We are happy to become part of the Rafale club,” Vučić stated during the signing ceremony. “The total value of the contract is 2.7 billion, and 12 new aircraft will be owned by the Republic of Serbia,” he added, emphasizing the strategic partnership between Serbia and France.

The contract was finalized in the presence of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and French President Emmanuel Macron, who was on an official visit to Belgrade.

French President Emmanuel Macron with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic — ^{French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the Palace of Serbia building in Belgrade, Serbia, August 29, 2024. (Image Credit: Reuters/Djordje Kojadinovic)}

President Macron hailed the agreement as a testament to the long-term alliance between France and Serbia, reinforcing a vision of a “stronger and more sovereign Europe.” The Rafale, known for its versatility and combat performance, is set to play a crucial role in Serbia’s national defense strategy.

Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier underscored the importance of the deal, noting that Serbia’s decision to purchase Rafale fighter jets reflects their operational superiority and the deepening military cooperation between the two nations. Trappier assured Serbia of Dassault’s full commitment to integrating the aircraft into the Serbian Armed Forces successfully.

“Serbia’s decision to equip itself for the first time with a Dassault aircraft confirms the Rafale’s operational superiority and its proven excellence in serving the sovereign interests of a nation”, Éric Trappier added.

Rafale fighter jet – Key Facts

The Rafale is a twin-jet fighter aircraft that has been combat-proven since 2007.
The jet can carry out all combat aviation missions including air superiority and air defense, close air support, in-depth strikes, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes, and nuclear deterrence.
Rafale is equipped with a wide range of smart and discrete sensors such as RBE2/AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, SPECTRA internal Electronic Warfare (EW) system, Front Sector Optronics (FSO) system, and Talios targeting pod.
The Rafale is available in three variants: Rafale C single-seater operated from land bases, Rafale M single-seater for carrier operations, and Rafale B two-seater flown from land bases.

French Air Force Rafale fighter jets — *^{French Air Force Rafales fitted with Mica missiles during the Opération Harmattan. (Image Credit: Dassault Aviation)}*

The Rafale acquisition is part of a broader set of agreements signed during Macron’s visit, further cementing the growing military and economic ties between France and Serbia. Serbia is the eighth country to choose the Rafale, following Egypt, India, and the UAE.

The agreement marks a strategic shift for Serbia, which has traditionally maintained military ties with Russia and China.

In July, the European Union and Serbia signed a significant deal to develop Serbia’s lithium supply, vital for Europe’s green transition. Belgrade reinstated controversial lithium mining licenses after previously revoking them due to environmental protests. Despite refusing to sanction Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Serbia has sold millions of euros’ worth of ammunition likely destined for Ukraine. Serbia has been a candidate to join the European Union since 2012, but prospects remain uncertain without improved relations with Kosovo.