Serbia opens factory to assemble Israeli-made drones

According to Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera, Serbia has launched a new facility dedicated to assembling advanced drones of Israeli origin. President Aleksandar Vucic, who attended the opening alongside the Israeli ambassador, stated that the plant will provide equipment for both the Serbian military and international buyers. While the specific location and the name of the Israeli corporate partner were kept private due to production confidentiality, the president noted that this facility will support approximately 100 jobs and serves as the first of several planned joint manufacturing ventures.

The opening of this site has drawn attention to deepening military cooperation between Belgrade and Israel. Although the Serbian government did not officially identify the partner, previous reports from outlets like Haaretz and BIRN have linked the project to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense company that has faced criticism regarding its activities in Gaza and the West Bank. President Vucic has defended the move as a strategy to bolster national strength, maintain military neutrality, and deter potential threats.

Data cited by the report indicates a significant surge in arms trade between the two nations, with exports rising from 1.4 million euros in 2023 to 42.3 million euros in 2024. Despite international pressure to limit weapons exports during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has described Serbia as one of Israel's most committed allies.

Source: Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/17/serbia-opens-factory-to-assemble-israeli-made-drones?traffic_source=rss