Serbian Air Force Needs and Modernization

Not the greatest source. But this would seriously sour Russian and Serbian relations if this happens although I personally believe Serbia wouldn't do such as it needs it's Mig-29 although I was surprised that Serbia would buy French aircraft especially aircraft so expensive.

Paris ‘buys’ 36 Serbian MiG-29s for Kyiv by December, says Panina


Elena Panina, a prominent member of the United Russia party and former deputy speaker of the State Duma, shared on her Telegram channel that France will deduct $390 million from a total of $3 billion for the delivery of 36 Russian-produced MiG-29 fighters to Paris

The planes [MiG-29] will be handed over to the French in December, after which they will be sent to Ukraine. Moscow has already been informed of this aspect of the agreement,” Panina writes. She adds that “it is unlikely that Belgrade would have received permission from the Russian authorities for this action.” Panina is convinced that everything has already been agreed upon and notes that “this is not the first time Serbian weapons have been delivered to Kyiv.”

“Ukraine received 800 million euros worth of ammunition from Serbia via an intermediary. This situation begs the question: To which nations can Russia safely sell weapons without fearing they might one day be turned against us?” Panina pondered.

However, the Serbian authorities swiftly addressed these claims, categorically denying any truth to them. A statement from the Serbian defense department dismissed the rumors, clarifying that the contract for 12 Rafale fighters includes no clauses about transferring MiG-29s to France or subsequently delivering them to Ukraine.

Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić has countered claims circulating in both domestic and regional media regarding Serbia’s purchase of 12 new Rafale planes from Dassault Aviation. The media inaccurately reported that this deal includes a clause demanding the transfer of Serbian MiG-29 jets to France and eventually to Ukraine.

He further noted, “Thanks to President Vučić’s responsible policies, Serbia now boasts 14 modernized MiG-29 aircraft.” Gašić also reminded us that, “Under the ‘efforts’ of Ponoš and others like him, our fighter aviation was so neglected that, just over a decade ago, there were days when not a single MiG-29 was able to take off and defend our airspace.”

“Serbia is committed to retaining its MiG-29 jets, ensuring they remain operational for several more years. In addition to this, we will continue acquiring advanced combat equipment to enhance the Serbian Armed Forces’ capabilities and promote peace and stability,” emphasized Gašić.


https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/09/05/paris-buys-36-serbian-mig-29s-for-kyiv-by-december-says-panina/

Hahaha... sounds like propaganda to try to sour relations between Russia and Serbia.

The sales clauses regarding the MiGs will include limitations on transferring them to any third parties.

The claims of Serbia arming Kiev turned out to be bullshit too, the equipment was sold to third parties who then sold to Kiev... hardly something Serbia could do anything about without knowing in advance.

However, the Serbian authorities swiftly addressed these claims, categorically denying any truth to them. A statement from the Serbian defense department dismissed the rumors, clarifying that the contract for 12 Rafale fighters includes no clauses about transferring MiG-29s to France or subsequently delivering them to Ukraine.

Which suggests an attempt to create division between Russia and her allies and friends...

As mentioned in that article, MiG-29s compliment Rafales and would not be something you would replace them with... for a start the Rafales will likely be expensive to operate so for many roles using MiG-29s would make rather more sense.

Totally agree. Although I still feel Serbia could have gotten away with buying Su-30SM which would have been cheaper and still good enough for it's needs. Or if they wanted something extra the Su-35. But obviously the west would threaten sanctions but Serbia isn't in any rush to buy aircraft. I would hate for a country to buy expensive aircraft then they be left gathering dust and eventually fall behind in maintenance due to cost and they become expensive ornaments. Uganda for example bought Su-30 something it raided it's entire reserve funds to pay for and they spend most of their life in a hanger being too expensive to fly, and only fly around 2-3 times a year and mostly flying around Entebbe the pilots don't even get their full yearly flying hours in them. Uganda should have just overhaulled it's Mig-21 they were enough for it's needs, or just buy Yak-130, or at a push secondhand Mig-29/Su-24 Uganda doesn't face any real threat other than terrorism so even the Mig-29 or Su-24 isn't really needed. Their army can deal with any threat it faces maybe a few Mi-24 is enough really. Anyway the deal is done for Serbia. But let me hope such an expensive purchase won't affect procurement elsewhere In it's armed forces but it will most likely will.

Totally agree. Although I still feel Serbia could have gotten away with buying Su-30SM which would have been cheaper and still good enough for it's needs.

Su-30s would not be cheaper at all, and the operating costs would be rather higher, yet without the ability to leave Serbian airspace the extra flight range would be totally wasted too.

Su-35 would be very expensive.

It is not an accident that only a few countries bought F-15s... even in rich Europe... most countries simply don't need that much plane and the costs of keeping it flying will take money away from other things that would be useful too.

Uganda for example bought Su-30 something it raided it's entire reserve funds to pay for and they spend most of their life in a hanger being too expensive to fly, and only fly around 2-3 times a year and mostly flying around Entebbe the pilots don't even get their full yearly flying hours in them. Uganda should have just overhaulled it's Mig-21 they were enough for it's needs, or just buy Yak-130, or at a push secondhand Mig-29/Su-24 Uganda doesn't face any real threat other than terrorism so even the Mig-29 or Su-24 isn't really needed.

A MIG-29M would probably be ideal as they are lower maintenance than older model MiG-29s and have capabilities that no MiG-21 upgrade could achieve.

A MiG-21 was a great aircraft in its time but there is only so far you can upgrade it, whereas even a base model MiG-29M is better all round that a MIG-21, and it has plenty of upgrade potential over a few decades worth of use.

The brand new R-77s and RVV-MD2 would make even base model MiG-29Ms quite potent fighters, and it would be compatible with all the new Russian air launched ordinance if needed... including the cheap dumb bomb glide kits.