Starovic: Purchase of "Rafale" does not jeopardize Serbia's military neutrality, nor its relations with China and Russia

The acquisition of Rafale fighter jets is a part, but not the end, of the modernization process of the Serbian Armed Forces, Nemanja Starovic, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense, emphasizes, stating that the purchase of 12 aircraft from France does not jeopardize Serbia's status as a militarily neutral country, nor is it a threat to the good relations that Serbia maintains with China or Russia.

Starovic tells RTS that, as an independent and militarily neutral country, Serbia has the right and obligation to "independently protect its skies."

"The Rafale aircraft are multifunctional and can carry out tasks typical of fighters, interceptors, and ground-attack bombers. The cost is significant, but the state has mustered the strength to make this procurement, and it is an excellent solution," Starovic said.

He also emphasizes that Rafale aircraft are a part, but not the end, of the military modernization process.

Commenting on the fact that Croatia, a NATO member, has also acquired the same type of aircraft, Starovic points out that Serbia monitors everything happening in the defense systems of neighboring and other countries.

"They have entered into the acquisition process, but we must know that they are acquiring second-hand aircraft of an older generation, whereas the aircraft we are ordering are the most modern version. We monitor them, but above all, we are guided by Serbia's interests," the State Secretary points out.

The Ministry of Defense issued a statement due to criticisms that the agreement on acquiring Rafale aircraft undermines Serbia's military neutrality, and Starovic says that the purpose of the statement was to once again clarify the status of a politically independent and militarily neutral country.

"When we talk about the modernization process and enhancing the capacities of the Serbian Armed Forces, we primarily rely on our own capabilities. However, when it comes to certain elements that we cannot produce ourselves, we naturally seek the best options on the international market. Similarly, we are not less militarily neutral if we procure aircraft from France or any other country. Therefore, as a militarily neutral state, we have the ability to procure what we need from all parts of the world," Starovic explains.

He also adds that cooperation with France should not jeopardize good relations with China, Russia, or any other country.

"Just as good cooperation with China is not directed against France or the United States," Starovic compares and concludes that the path of military neutrality is the right one.