Serbia Buys Russian Weapons to Respond to Potential Security Challenge

Serbia is buying Russian weapons and military equipment in order to be capable of responding to security challenges and ensuring stability, Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces Ljubisa Dikovic told Sputnik.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Last month, media reported that Moscow had expressed readiness to deliver six MiG-29 fighter aircraft to Serbia if Belgrade covered jet fighters’ repair costs, which amount to some $50 million.

The question of the delivery of military equipment was reportedly discussed behind closed doors during the 15th intergovernmental committee meeting on the trade-economic and technical-scientific cooperation in the Russian city of Suzdal.

“This [Russian] weapons and military equipment from our point of view are the most necessary for the Serbian Armed Forces so that [Belgrade] responds to potential challenges linked to security of Serbian citizens,” he said adding that Serbia cooperated with Russia in the military sphere on most favorable terms.

Dikovic also dismissed the allegations that Serbia is building up its military capabilities as it was preparing for a war.

“The Serbian Armed Forces pose no threat to anybody – everything we are doing, we are doing to satisfy our needs to ensure our security and stability,” the chief of staff said.

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