Serbia signed a contract to purchase 12 Rafale warplanes from France's Dassault Aviation on Thursday during a state visit by President Emmanuel Macron to Belgrade,
The Express Tribune reports.
The widely anticipated deal will see Serbia receive nine single-seat and three two-seat jets by 2029 for an undisclosed sum, according to Dassault chief executive Eric Trappier.
The dozen multi-role fighter aircrafts will help Serbia modernise its air force and replace ageing Soviet-era combat jets.
"We are happy to become part of the Rafale club. We thank the president of France for making this decision and for enabling us to purchase the new Rafales," Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told reporters during the signing ceremony.
"The total value of the contract is 2.7 billion, and 12 new aircraft will be owned by the Republic of Serbia," Vucic said, without specifying the currency.
Macron said the deal pointed to a "long-term alliance between our two countries within a stronger and more sovereign Europe" and provided a potential strategic opening.
"It is an opening towards a strategic change despite a lot of pressure, which must be underlined. It is real strategic courage and an opportunity for Europe," said Macron during a press conference in Belgrade.
Serbia has long been close to Russia and China and purchased arms from both countries over the years, while relying on the two countries for diplomatic backing over its dispute with Kosovo.
The Rafale is a "multi-role" fighter that can be used to hunt enemy planes, strike ground and sea targets and carry out reconnaissance.
