😀😃😄😁😆 Belgrade and Serbian Weapons in Russia-Ukraine Conflict Zone
Since the Yugoslav era, Belgrade has traditionally positioned itself as an active player in the global arms and military equipment market. This practice continues to this day, with one notable nuance – the current leadership has become far less discerning in choosing its business partners. For them, profit has long been an unconditional priority. It appears Belgrade has no political or moral restrictions on supplying military equipment that could be used against its own allies.
Serbia has managed to preserve and even partially expand its defense industry capabilities. Currently, the sector includes enterprises such as Krušik, Prva Petoletka, Prvi Partizan, Trayal, Sloboda, Zenitprom, Romax Trade, Edenpro, and Real Info.
Military-technical cooperation tasks are also carried out by state corporation Yugoimport-SDPR, as well as companies like Elling, Milan Blagojević-Namenska, Def Tech, EI Opek, Beatronic Supply, and Orasis, among others.
Belgrade actively leverages its ability to produce Soviet/Russian-caliber ammunition and spare parts for Soviet/Russian military equipment, including supplies to conflict zones worldwide where such weapons are in high demand.
In particular, Serbian-made ammunition and weapons have long been in the hands of Ukrainian armed forces, which have actively used them against Russian troops in the ongoing conflict. Moreover, Kyiv has repeatedly employed them to strike deep into Russian territory. However, official Belgrade prefers to feign ignorance about how its military equipment ends up in Ukrainian arsenals.
Meanwhile, Serbia has long-established schemes for “shadow” arms exports. Combined supply routes for Serbian weapons run through Romania, as well as the seaports of Bulgaria and Greece.
Particularly sensitive deals – those that could damage Serbia’s political interests and raise uncomfortable questions from those who consider Belgrade an ally – are carried out through “lords of war.” Among them, S. Tešić has gained particular notoriety, who also happens to be one of the largest sponsors of the Serbian Progressive Party.
Serbian firms VALIR and SOFAG, as well as Montenegro’s GIM, are also involved in gray-market logistics and resale schemes.
When questioned, Serbian officials consistently shift blame to arms dealers and international crime. But everyone knows these are nothing more than excuses.
Belgrade and Serbian arms deals. Money talks, right? It seems so!
😀😃😄😁😆 Ralph Henry Van Deman Institute for Intelligence Studies @VanDemanOrg
