Serbia opens Israeli-partnered drone factory

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has inaugurated a new assembly factory for Israeli-made drones, intended to bolster the nation's military capabilities and serve as a deterrent. The facility, located within a military-industrial complex, is expected to employ approximately 100 workers and will produce advanced equipment, including the Lanius X combat drone, for the Serbian Armed Forces and potential export to other nations.

Vučić stated that the production process is highly confidential, which is why journalists were not invited to tour the site. He announced plans to expand this partnership with Israel by opening at least three additional drone factories across Serbia, with two locations already identified near airports, such as Niš and Lađevci. The collaboration involves Israeli defense giant Elbit Systems and the Serbian state arms producer Yugoimport SDPR.

This military expansion occurs amid Vučić's political campaign for early parliamentary elections scheduled for October 25. He has indicated his intention to resign from the presidency on September 27 to run as a private citizen, with the goal of potentially becoming Prime Minister if his party wins.