On Friday, October 2024, the leaders of Turkey and Serbia suggested the possibility of joint military drone production, signaling a potential shift in Serbia’s stance months after Turkey’s delivery of unmanned aircraft to Kosovo—a move that had previously stirred tensions between the two nations. The announcement comes as both countries look to expand their military cooperation.
Drone Diplomacy: A New Chapter
Serbia had originally planned to acquire Bayraktar military drones from Turkey, but this changed in 2023 when Turkey delivered drones to Kosovo, Serbia’s former province. Kosovo, which declared independence in 2006, remains unrecognized by Serbia. The drone delivery to Kosovo was seen by Serbia as a significant concern. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed frustration at the time, describing the situation as “not easy” and indicating that it would impact relations with Turkey. In response, Serbia announced it would seek drone purchases from other countries.
However, the recent meeting between Vučić and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Belgrade marked a potential pivot in Serbia’s approach. Speaking at a joint news conference, Vučić acknowledged Turkey’s advanced military industry, stating, “The Turkish military industry is significantly stronger than ours… I see room for great cooperation.” He further added that Serbia is focused on maintaining enough military strength to serve as a deterrent, not to engage in wars.
A Possible Joint Venture?
When asked if joint military cooperation would include the production of Bayraktar drones, Erdoğan suggested the idea was not off the table, saying, “Serbia has certain capacities, we have certain capacities, and as friendly countries, we can develop our capacities together.” He also acknowledged that such cooperation may draw mixed reactions globally but emphasized that as leaders, they should make independent decisions in collaboration with their respective countries.
The Broader Balkan Context
This announcement follows Erdoğan’s visit to Albania on Thursday, where he pledged to donate Bayraktar drones to the Balkan country, ensuring its defense capabilities are enhanced. Similarly, Bosnia has expressed interest in purchasing Bayraktar drones, while Romania, a NATO member, has already integrated the Bayraktar TB2 UAVs into its military arsenal.
Meanwhile, Serbia has been actively strengthening its military. This summer, the country placed a significant order for 12 French-made Rafale fighter jets worth $3 billion, a move that has raised concerns, particularly due to Serbia’s close ties with Russia. The sale of Rafales to Serbia, a country that has occasionally exhibited aggressive stances toward its neighbors, has led some to question how France will ensure that sensitive technology is not shared with Russia.
Serbia’s Foreign Policy Balancing Act
While Serbia remains outside NATO, citing the alliance’s role in the 1999 intervention over Kosovo, it continues to pursue formal European Union membership. However, under Vučić’s leadership, the country has made limited progress in democratic reforms and rule of law, key requirements for entry into the EU. Serbia’s balancing act between the EU, Russia, and now potential deeper ties with Turkey highlights the complexities of its foreign policy.
Conclusion
The potential joint production of military drones between Serbia and Turkey marks a significant shift in their relationship, with both nations looking to strengthen their military capabilities. As regional tensions and international alliances continue to evolve, this partnership could reshape the defense landscape in the Balkans. Whether or not this will lead to further cooperation in other military fields remains to be seen, but the move underscores the importance of defense and security collaboration in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
