Serbia Confirms Purchase of Chinese Missiles After Images Leak

Serbia has confirmed that it purchased Chinese-made missiles after photographs circulating online showed the weapons mounted on its fighter jets, confirming a new development in the Balkan country’s military modernisation programme.

President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed the acquisition after images appeared on social media and defence blogs earlier this week showing CM-400AKG missiles attached to Serbia’s Soviet-era Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter aircraft. The disclosure marks the first confirmed instance of a European country operating the Chinese missile system.

The CM-400AKG missile, manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, is designed for long-range precision strikes and can travel up to about 400 kilometres.

• Serbia confirms purchase of Chinese CM-400AKG missiles
• Images reveal missiles mounted on MiG-29 fighter jets
• Acquisition sparks concern over Balkan arms balance

The missile can carry either a high-explosive blast warhead or a penetrator warhead designed to destroy hardened targets such as reinforced bunkers or infrastructure.

Vučić did not disclose the cost of the purchase but said Serbia obtained the weapons at a “slight discount.” The missiles are part of a broader effort by Belgrade to upgrade its armed forces and strengthen regional deterrence capability amid changing regional security tensions.

The announcement drew criticism from neighbouring Croatia, which warned that the deployment of such weapons could trigger an arms buildup in the Western Balkans. The region remains sensitive to military developments following the conflicts of the 1990s.

Serbia continues to maintain a complex geopolitical position. The country seeks closer economic and political ties with the European Union while maintaining strong relations with both Russia and China. Although Serbia cooperates with NATO through the Partnership for Peace programme, it maintains a policy of military neutrality and does not seek full membership.

The Chinese missiles add to a series of recent Serbia defence acquisitions. In recent years, Belgrade has purchased the FK-3 air defence system and CH-92A combat drones from China while also signing agreements with Western suppliers for equipment including Dassault Rafale aircraft and other aviation systems from Airbus.

Also Read: Sam Altman Says AI May Soon Be Sold Like Electricity on Meter

Serbia has increased defence spending as part of its military upgrade programme, allocating about 2.6% of its gross domestic product to defence. Officials say the goal is to strengthen national defence while maintaining the country’s policy of strategic neutrality.