France and Serbia have signed a $3 billion agreement for the sale of 12 French-made Rafale fighter jets, marking the largest weapons sale to Serbia since 2006. The deal, signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Belgrade, aims to strengthen ties between the two nations and bring Serbia closer to the European Union. Macron sees the sale as a strategic move to coax Serbia away from its traditional ally and weapons supplier, Russia.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to purchase the new Rafales, calling it a significant decision made by France. The deal is seen as a way to help modernize Serbia’s military, which has long relied on Soviet-era technology and equipment. It also comes at a time when Serbia is trying to distance itself from Moscow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, critics have raised concerns about rewarding an autocratic government in Belgrade that has been accused of human rights abuses and territorial ambitions that threaten its neighbors’ integrity. Despite Serbia’s interest in joining the EU, issues such as corruption, rule of law, and strained relations with Kosovo have hindered its ambitions.
The deal highlights France’s efforts to bolster its influence in the region and promote European values. It remains to be seen how the sale of Rafale fighter jets will impact Serbia’s geopolitical positioning and its relationship with both Russia and the EU.
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