By selling Rafale aircraft to Serbia, Emmanuel Macron hopes to break Belgrade’s ties with Moscow

Emmanuel Macron and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic upon their arrival at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade on August 29, 2024.

Serbia did things in a big way and in its purest diplomatic tradition. It was in a capital covered in French flags and to the sound of cannon shots that the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, was received on Thursday, August 29, to sign what he called “a historic agreement” with this Balkan country remaining close to Moscow to sell it twelve Rafale fighter jets.

The head of state, who took twenty-four hours away from the consultations he is conducting in Paris with a view to appointing a prime minister, celebrated this export contract, despite its controversial nature. Mr. Macron thus considered that the purchase of Rafale marks a “strategic change” and a “true demonstration of European spirit” from a country that until now was equipped only with Russian-made Mig-29 fighter jets.

“For the first time we are going to have Western-made aircraft and I think that is a good way to go.”also celebrated his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic, assuring that “The Rafale is the best plane in the world”Serbia has pledged to spend €2.7 billion for nine single-seaters and three two-seaters, which are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2029, when its aging MiG-29s reach the end of their life.

Read also | Article reserved for our subscribers Emmanuel Macron travels to Serbia, where he could announce the sale of twelve Rafale jets

Serbia is the eighth country in the world to opt for the Rafale after Egypt, India and the United Arab Emirates, but it is probably the most sensitive customer due to its historical proximity to Moscow, combined with its geographical position in the heart of Europe and the persistence of frozen conflicts with several of its neighbors, starting with Kosovo.

“Profound political change”

Emmanuel Macron wanted to be positive by assuring that the “Rafale club” can “participate in peace in Europe” and be a “tremendous opportunity for regional integration”. Croatia and Greece are already equipped with the same aircraft. According to Eric Trappier, the CEO of Dassault Aviation who was also part of the trip, the Serbs should get “the most modern model currently in service in the French army.”

Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, at the Serbian Palace in Belgrade, Thursday, August 29, 2024.

He refused, however, to specify whether it is the F3R or the F4.1, while neighbouring Croatia acquired second-hand F3Rs in April and is looking with concern at this contract concluded with its historic enemy. While Serbia will be able to equip its Rafales with MICA missiles, France has for the moment refused to give it access to the Meteor, a more recent missile with a greater range.

You have 65.47% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.

source site-30