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Serbia staged a large-scale military parade in Belgrade on Saturday, showcasing tanks, missile systems, and fighter jets, in a display of the Western Balkan nation’s multi-pronged foreign policy balancing EU aspirations with arms deals spanning France, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Israel and Russia.
10,000 military troops marched through the New Belgrade district, as crowds waved national flags and aircrafts flew overhead.
The machinery showcased ranged from domestically produced weapons to those supplied internationally, unveiling rocket launchers from Israel and drones bought from the United Arab Emirates.
The parade also showcased tanks supplied by Russia and anti-aircraft systems from China, reflecting Belgrade’s close relations with Moscow and Beijing, despite that Vučić and the SNS-led government have repeatedly stated that they want Serbia to join the European Union.
Two significant pieces of equipment included a versatile Israeli-made rocket artillery platform, which is capable of launching a range of munitions with varying payloads and ranges up to 300 kilometres, meaning it could reach most of the Balkan capitals.
Another was the French air force’s Rafale fighter jets, a multi-purpose aircraft of which Serbia ordered 12 of.
Officials described the event as Serbia’s biggest display of army strength yet, and President Aleksandar Vučić said the parade emphasised the country’s ability to defend its independence and sovereignty, and act as a deterrent against foreign aggressors.
Opposition leaders, on the other hand, say the parade was less about showcasing the strength of the country’s military, but more about bolstering Vučić’s rule.
Several university students and other opposition supporters, who have staged ten months of anti-corruption protests, were prevented by riot police from joining as spectators.
Serbia’s decision to host a military parade just months after Croatia held its own in July highlights a strategic rivalry in the region, and indicates an arms race may be potentially brewing.
Rajneesh Singh is a journalist at Asian News, specializing in entertainment, culture, international affairs, and financial technology. With a keen eye for the latest trends and developments, he delivers fresh, insightful perspectives to his audience. Rajneesh’s passion for storytelling and thorough reporting has established him as a trusted voice in the industry.
