Serbia Opens Factory for Assembling Israeli-Made Drones

Serbia has inaugurated a factory to assemble advanced Israeli-made drones, intended to supply the Serbian military and armed forces in other countries. The facility was opened by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in collaboration with an unnamed Israeli company on Thursday. Vucic stated in a social media post, which included a video of him touring the facility with Israeli Ambassador Avivit Bar-Ilan, that there are plans to open at least three more factories across Serbia with Israeli partners. He noted that the factory will employ around 100 workers and produce advanced equipment for both the Serbian Armed Forces and the armies of other countries. The exact location of the factory and the identity of the Israeli firm involved were not disclosed, with Vucic citing the confidentiality of the production process as the reason for excluding journalists from the opening. Previous reports from investigative outlet BIRN and Israeli newspaper Haaretz have identified Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems as Serbia's partner in the drone manufacturing process. Elbit has faced criticism for its involvement in operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Last month, Vucic mentioned to Serbian news outlet Nezavisne Dnevne Novine that the factory aims to 'preserve peace and stability, and to be strong enough to deter all potential aggressors.' Serbia, which is not a NATO member, has significantly invested in its military to maintain neutrality. The country has also faced scrutiny over its arms exports to Israel, which reportedly increased from 1.4 million euros ($1.6 million) in 2023 to 42.3 million euros ($48.5 million) in 2024. During a visit to Serbia earlier this year, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese remarked that Belgrade remains one of Israel's 'most steadfast and determined allies' despite calls for more countries to restrict weapons exports amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.