Eleven helicopter gunships arrive in Serbia from Cyprus

Accompanied by Defense Minister Milos Vucevic and Air Force and Air Defense Commander Lieutenant General Dusko Zarkovic, Vucic said it was very important for the Serbian Armed Forces (SAF) to increase defense capacities and that he has already spoken with the prime minister and finance minister about further investments in the defense system.

“We are proud of the huge investments in the defense system. We are doing all that without increasing the public debt, and we will keep doing it…,” Vucic said.

He confirmed that Serbia is purchasing drones and “all kinds of other things,” but did not wish to specify the quantities or the suppliers.

“I cannot tell you about all the things that we are waiting for, but Serbia's financial stability will not come under threat,” he said.

Vucic added that half of the money for the helicopter gunships had been secured by exporting Serbia-made rocket artillery to Cyprus.

“Look at these helicopters, beauties… A few of them need to be overhauled and modernized. That’s a job for our smart people, but we’ll also need some help from the outside,” said Vucic, adding that, come January, six of the helicopters will be in flying condition and in the unit.

Commenting on neighboring countries’ objections over the arming of Serbia, Vucic said that was “logical.”

“The fact that someone is complaining, I guess that’s logical. Why are they arming themselves if everyone is in NATO except for Serbia? Leave Serbia be. Serbia is the only one that is militarily neutral and since this is so, it is important that we be capable, wise and strong enough to preserve our land and skies. And we will be even stronger,” said the Serbian President.