MOSCO (Sputnik) — The Serbian minister noted that the country is a neutral state, thus, it needs to equip its army in case of neighbors’ hostile actions.
"We consider [purchasing] it, we think about it – it is too early to say anything more precise. I cannot tell you so open and upfront. I cannot comment specifically about S-300, but in general we must make our army more equipped and stronger," Vulin said during his visit in Moscow, asked about the state of negotiations on acquiring Russia’s S-300 battalions.
"Serbia is a neutral country. That means that in case we have hard times we cannot call anyone, no one will come. We must be strong enough to defend ourselves. Of course, maybe sometime because of actions of some of our neighbors we must consider how we can make our army to be strong enough in the front," the minister added.
The S-300 (NATO reporting name SA-10 Grumble) surface-to-air missile system is one the most advanced weapons in its class. Its development began during the Soviet era in the 1960s. Today, the system is produced by Russia’s Almaz-Antey defense corporation.
The S-300 is capable of striking short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, as well as tactical and strategic aircraft. The S-300 has been in service with militaries around the world, including in Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Iran, Greece and Syria.
