Serbia Inaugurates Secret Israeli Drone Assembly Plant

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić inaugurated a new facility for assembling Israeli-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on Thursday. The plant, which will remain secret and employ approximately 100 workers, is intended to bolster the Serbian military's capabilities and will produce advanced equipment for both the Serbian armed forces and other countries' militaries. Vučić announced the opening via an Instagram post, stating that media were not invited due to the "secrecy of the production process" and that no further technical details about the facility's location or specifications would be released.

President Vučić indicated that this collaboration with Israeli partners is expected to expand significantly, with plans to open "at least three more factories" across Serbia. This follows an earlier announcement in April that Serbia would produce combat drones in cooperation with Israel. Regional news outlet BIRN reported in April that the Serbian state-owned arms company Yugoimport SDPR was expected to open a drone factory in partnership with Israel's Elbit Systems.

Videos circulated showing the President touring the new factory, examining the drones, and briefly operating one. "Now you can see how the drone is used and how it works," Vučić said in one video, adding, "They enter through windows and chase the enemy, they are incredibly effective. I am very happy that we have reached such a level of development." He was also filmed listening to an explanation from a worker, remarking, "This looks even more complex than I expected."

The establishment of the drone plant aligns with broader efforts by the Serbian government to upgrade its military. In 2024, Belgrade signed a deal for 12 French Rafale fighter jets and has also acquired military equipment from China and Russia, despite its official status as an EU candidate country. This military buildup occurs amid a sensitive political period, as Vučić faces early parliamentary elections on October 25th, which will test his grip on power following nearly two years of protests against his government.