# Serbia Rafale fighter jet procurement

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/serbia-rafale-fighter-jet-procurement
> Updated: 2026-08-13T06:05:14.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Serbia is currently executing a multi-billion euro procurement of 12 French-made Dassault Rafale fighter jets to modernize its aerial capabilities and replace its existing Russian-made MiG-29 fleet. 

To facilitate this transition, the Serbian Air Force is conducting intensive training for pilots and technical personnel within the 101st Fighter Aviation Squadron. While President Aleksandar Vučić has indicated plans for further aircraft acquisitions, the procurement has had significant fiscal implications. 

An accelerated payment for the fourth installment of the deal—covering approximately 73% of a €686.25 million portion—contributed to a budget deficit of roughly 98 billion dinars (about €833 million) at the end of July. This deficit is reportedly 4.3 times larger than the same period in the previous year.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Serbia prepares Air Force for arrival of French Rafale jets

The Serbian Air Force is training pilots and technical staff to operate new French-made Rafale fighter jets, following a €2.7 billion procurement deal to modernize its fleet.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-prepares-air-force-for-arrival-of-french-rafale-jets

### 2026-08-06: Serbia's Rafale Jet Purchase Triggers €833 million Budget Deficit

Serbia’s early payment of most of the fourth Rafale jet installment caused a €833 million budget deficit, a shortfall 4.3 times larger than a year earlier, despite finance minister claims of a surplus.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbias-rafale-jet-purchase-triggers-833-million-budget-deficit

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Cite as: Serbia Rafale fighter jet procurement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/serbia-rafale-fighter-jet-procurement