In a meeting between the leaders of Turkey and Serbia, they discussed the potential for joint production of military drones, despite previous tensions between the two countries. Serbia had initially planned to purchase Bayraktar drones from Turkey, but abandoned the plan in response to Turkey’s delivery of drones to Kosovo, which Serbia does not recognize as an independent state. The delivery of drones to Kosovo had sparked anger in the Serbian capital, as it was seen as a potential threat to Serbia’s security. However, during the meeting, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed interest in cooperation with Turkey in the military industry, acknowledging Turkey’s stronger capabilities but noting that Serbia also has strengths to offer.
President Vucic stated that Serbia is not interested in wars, but must have enough power to deter any potential threats. He highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries, despite the potential for criticism from other nations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also emphasized the benefits of cooperation, stating that both countries have capacities that can be developed together. The discussions included the possibility of jointly producing Bayraktar drones, as well as cooperation in other areas of the military industry. Erdogan’s visit to Albania included a donation of Bayraktar drones to the country, further showcasing Turkey’s commitment to strengthening defense capabilities in the region.
Serbia has been actively strengthening its armed forces, with recent purchases of sophisticated hardware including French-made Rafale fighter jets. The country has also expressed interest in purchasing Bayraktar drones, similar to its neighbor Bosnia and NATO-member Romania. However, concerns have been raised about the potential sharing of technology with Russia, as Serbia maintains a close relationship with the country. Serbia’s stance on NATO membership remains firm, citing past aggression over Kosovo as a reason for not joining the alliance. While Serbia is formally seeking EU membership, progress has been slow under Vucic’s rule due to concerns about rule of law and democratic reforms.
The potential joint production of military drones between Turkey and Serbia marks a significant shift in relations between the two countries, following previous tensions over drone deliveries to Kosovo. The discussions during the meeting emphasized the importance of cooperation in the military industry, as well as the need for both countries to strengthen their defense capabilities. The donation of Bayraktar drones to Albania and interest from other neighboring countries highlight Turkey’s efforts to enhance security in the Balkan region. While concerns remain about sharing technology with Russia and Serbia’s stance on NATO membership, the discussions between Turkey and Serbia indicate a willingness to collaborate on defense initiatives.
The meeting between Erdogan and Vucic in Belgrade showcased a potential new era of cooperation between Turkey and Serbia, particularly in the military industry. Despite previous tensions, both leaders emphasized the benefits of collaboration and the need to strengthen defense capabilities in the region. The discussions included potential joint production of Bayraktar drones, as well as sharing of expertise and technology in other areas of the military sector. The donation of drones to Albania and interest from neighboring countries highlight the strategic importance of enhancing defense capabilities in the Balkans, as well as the influence of external players in the region.
Moving forward, the partnership between Turkey and Serbia in the military industry is expected to deepen, with potential joint projects and collaborations. The agreement between the two countries represents a significant step towards enhancing security in the region and strengthening defense capabilities. While concerns remain about the potential sharing of technology with Russia and Serbia’s stance on NATO membership, the discussions between Erdogan and Vucic signal a new chapter in relations between Turkey and Serbia. The joint production of military drones and other defense initiatives are likely to further solidify the partnership and contribute to stability in the Balkan region.
