Pantsir-C1 anti-aircraft missile-gun system. Archival photo BELGRADE, 13 Jan. Serbia's government purchases only defensive weapons, the country remains militarily neutral, unlike its NATO neighbors, which also purchase weapons for attack, said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who said in December that the country's defense budget, which is scheduled for 2022 in the amount of over 1.1 billion euros, in the future will be increased by another 500 million euros for the purchase of equipment and weapons. So, in 2022-2023, Belgrade plans to buy about 30 helicopters: 11 N-145 (Airbus), four Mi-35, three Mi-17, and 11 Mi-35 «used by one EU member state.» On Thursday night, he answered in an interview with national television when asked why Serbia's armament worries its neighbors, Croatia in the first place.
& # 34; They are allowed to arm themselves because they are in NATO. And we — a freedom-loving and militarily neutral state — cannot defend ourselves? They buy weapons to attack, and they are worried that we are buying defensive weapons. They are not worried about (Croatian procured armored vehicles) Patria AMV and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, they are not worried about (Croatian acquired fighters) 12 Rafale & # 34 ;, — said Vucic.
«Serbia says: we will respond and we will be stronger, there is money and the economy is stronger. Not to attack someone, we want the best relations with Croatia. But so that we can defend our country so that you do not trample on us. As before. And they are hindered by the fact that we are purchasing European and Russian helicopters, the Pantsir-C1 MANPADS, which can only defend the territory of Serbia, cannot serve for an attack, «the Serbian leader emphasized. Vucic announced plans for Serbia to buy aircraft and air defense systems from Russia. According to him, some politicians in the region are hindered by the development of the Serbian defense industry,» which still has to be invested and developed. » is the largest importer of Russian weapons and military equipment in Europe. In December, ATGM «Kornet» acquired in the Russian Federation arrived in the country. Over the past few years, Russia has handed over to Serbia 30 modernized T-72MS tanks, 30 BRDM-2 armored vehicles, seven Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, and six MiG-29 fighters. Belgrade also acquired a battery of Pantsir-C1 missile and cannon systems. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that the country wants to have the Russian S-400 complex, but cannot yet afford it. Vucic confirmed that ATGM «Kornet» was delivered to Serbia