Serbia shifts gears: MiG‑29 deal with Hungary after French pact
Serbia, which for years maintained military connections with Russia and equipped itself with Russian aircraft, is now facing issues with them. Instead of pursuing further contracts with Moscow, Belgrade is increasingly looking to make agreements with NATO countries. Last year, it reached a deal with France, and now it's collaborating with Hungary.
As noted by the Bulgarian Military portal, reports from the Balkans suggest that Serbia has struck a deal with Hungary. As a result, it will acquire a larger batch of post-Soviet equipment, including BTR-80 infantry fighting vehicles and, most importantly, MiG-29 fighters.
Serbia seeks a solution for MiG-29 fighters
Although Serbia is attempting to obtain more modern combat aircraft, it still largely relies on post-Soviet and Russian machinery for its air force. Efforts to acquire MiG-29 fighters from Hungary are mainly seen as attempts to find "spare parts donors." After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, even Moscow's long-standing allies found themselves in a difficult situation due to dwindling supplies from a country embroiled in prolonged conflict.
The MiG-29 is a front-line fighter whose production began in 1983. While it falls short compared to modern NATO or Russian fighters, operational units still prove formidable, as evidenced by their presence in the air forces of Kyiv and Moscow. The MiG-29 is powered by two Klimov RD-33 engines, allowing it to achieve a maximum speed of approximately 2.3 Mach (over 1,500 mph). It is primarily armed with the GSz-30-1 30 mm aircraft cannon, but it can also carry air-to-air missiles or aerial bombs (with a total weight of up to 12,100 lbs).
Serbia moves away from post-Soviet weapons
In 2024, Serbia reached an agreement with France to purchase 12 Rafale fighters. This was seen as a clear move by Belgrade towards Western military technology. According to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, the Rafale contract represents "a breakthrough for the Serbian air force."
However, since the French aircraft won't be delivered until 2028, Belgrade needs to keep its MiG-29 fighters operational. Some of these were inherited after the breakup of Yugoslavia, and additional units were purchased in 2017 and 2019 from Russia (six units) and Belarus (four units). An undisclosed number of MiG-29s from Hungary will soon be added. Following inspections, aircraft in the poorest condition may serve as "spare parts donors" for those deemed more fit for flight.
Earlier this year, Serbia announced another significant contract, involving a deal with Israel's Elbit Systems, which will bolster the Serbian army with PULS artillery systems and Hermes 900 drones.
