{"id":24413,"date":"2024-08-31T00:02:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-30T21:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=24413"},"modified":"2024-09-05T16:46:36","modified_gmt":"2024-09-05T13:46:36","slug":"serbia-to-get-12-rafale-fighter-jets-from-france-for-3-billion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/serbia-to-get-12-rafale-fighter-jets-from-france-for-3-billion\/","title":{"rendered":"Serbia to get 12 Rafale fighter jets from France for $3 billion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

3 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serbia has taken a significant step in modernizing its air force by signing a \u20ac2.7 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The French Rafale jets would enhance the country\u2019s defense<\/mark><\/a> capabilities across air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. Serbia is expected to receive the Rafale jets by 2029.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Rafale fighter jet deal signed during Macron\u2019s visit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serbian President Aleksandar Vu\u010di\u0107 expressed gratitude to France<\/mark><\/a>, highlighting the significance of the acquisition. “We are happy to become part of the Rafale club,” Vu\u010di\u0107 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The contract was finalized in the presence of Serbian President Aleksandar Vu\u010di\u0107 and French President Emmanuel Macron, who was on an official visit to Belgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"French<\/a>
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)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\u2019s national defense strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dassault Aviation<\/mark><\/a> CEO \u00c9ric Trappier underscored the importance of the deal, noting that Serbia\u2019s decision to purchase Rafale fighter jets<\/mark><\/a> reflects their operational superiority and the deepening military cooperation between the two nations. Trappier assured Serbia of Dassault\u2019s full commitment to integrating the aircraft into the Serbian Armed Forces successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSerbia\u2019s decision to equip itself for the first time with a Dassault aircraft confirms the Rafale\u2019s operational superiority and its proven excellence in serving the sovereign interests of a nation\u201d, \u00c9ric Trappier added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Rafale fighter jet – Key Facts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n