Serbia Israeli deal: Serbia has signed a $335 million deal with Israeli company Elbit Systems to buy PULS rocket artillery systems and Hermes 900 drones.
President Aleksandar Vucic announced the agreement after long discussions. He said, “We have signed a deal to get the world’s most powerful artillery systems and some of the most advanced drones.” Serbia will receive these systems by mid-2028.
The PULS artillery system can launch missiles up to 300 km with great accuracy and does not need special changes. It can also be ready to fire within a minute of launching.
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As per Gagadget, The Hermes 900 drones come with advanced sensors that can spot targets on land or at sea, even in tough conditions. These drones can handle tasks like surveillance, reconnaissance, maritime patrol, and relaying communication. They can carry up to 350 kg of equipment.
President Vucic pointed out that these weapons are much better than the US-made ones that Croatia owns. He said this deal will help Serbia face any challenges.
This purchase is part of a growing arms race between Serbia and Croatia. Tensions have been rising due to their history. In 2024, Croatia bought US HIMARS rocket systems and Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones, which led Serbia to boost its defense with deals like this one and the purchase of French Rafale fighter jets.
Serbia-Croatia Arms Race
Serbia and Croatia are currently engaged in a regional arms race fueled by their long-standing rivalry.
According to Thedefensepost, In September 2024, the United States approved a $390 million deal to sell Croatia eight M142 HIMARS rocket systems. Croatia also strengthened its defense by buying Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey to improve surveillance and intelligence operations.
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In response, Serbia has been upgrading its military capabilities. In 2024, Serbia purchased 12 Rafale fighter jets from France and recently signed a major deal for advanced artillery and drone systems.
These military investments aim to maintain a strategic balance between the two nations and ensure Serbia remains prepared for any potential threats.
The rivalry is deeply rooted in historical conflicts, particularly the breakup of Yugoslavia and the Croatian War of Independence during the 1990s, which continue to shape tensions in the region.
