Serbia to review military contracts following election results

Serbia arms procurement Studentska Lista Aleksandar Vučić defense spending

Following the victory of the Studentska Lista in extraordinary parliamentary elections, Serbia’s new government is expected to review major arms procurement contracts concluded during Aleksandar Vučić’s 12-year rule. The incoming administration intends to investigate potential irregularities and corruption involving foreign defense manufacturers.

According to reports from Defense News and data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Serbia has been a significant arms buyer in Europe. Total defense spending between 2021 and 2025 reached nearly 3.65 billion euros, with approximately 1.12 billion euros spent in 2025 alone. Major acquisitions include 12 French Rafale fighter jets, Chinese FK-3 and HQ-17A air defense systems, CH-92 and CH-95 drones, and Israeli Hermes drones, including an agreement with Elbit for local assembly.

While the previous administration sought to balance relations between the EU, Russia, and China, the new government is expected to prioritize internal reforms, anti-corruption measures, and the restoration of state institutions. This shift may slow military modernization and alter defense spending priorities.