Serbia set to acquire Rafale fighters from France

Serbia is negotiating the acquisition of 12 Rafale fighters from France. (French Air and Space Force)

Serbia and France will seal a deal on the procurement of 12 newly produced Rafale fighters for the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence (RV i PVO) in the next two months, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić told Serbian media in Paris on 9 April after meetings with President of France Emmanuel Macron and representatives of Dassault Aviation the day before.

Media close to the Serbian government have reported that negotiations have been under way for nearly three years for 10 single-seat and two twin-seat fighters for the RV i PVO. The weapon package is expected to include MICA and beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, in addition to a flight simulator, training of flying and technical personnel, and a multi-year integrated logistical support package.

When he announced the procurement in 2023, Vučić said the acquisition of a squadron of newly built Rafales would cost Serbia around EUR3 billion (USD 3.3 billion).

During his visit to Paris, Vučić also discussed with his hosts the possibility of establishing a facility in Serbia to arm the H125M helicopter with Serbian-made weapons under a wider arrangement that would likely see Serbia buy more of the helicopters to replace its Yugoslav-era Gazelles.

For more information on the Rafale, please seeDassault Rafale.