Is Serbia’s military robotic dog built using Chinese technology?

According to a September 22, 2026 report by Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, observers note that shortly after the opening of a Chinese robotics factory in the Balkan nation, robotic dogs appeared during Serbia’s military exercises—suggesting that advanced Chinese technology may be increasingly integrated into Serbia’s weapon systems.

Observations indicate that robotic dogs equipped with machine guns, grenade launchers, and rocket launchers were among the primary weapon systems demonstrated during Sunday’s large-scale live-fire exercise, “Pobednik 2026,” conducted by Serbia’s armed forces.

According to Serbian media reports, the exercise involved the country’s army, air force, air defense units, special forces, and military police. The robotic dogs were designed for deployment in hazardous areas and critical access routes during special operations, forming part of the broader military drill framework.

The debut of these robotic dogs occurred just weeks after the commencement of production at Europe’s first large-scale facility dedicated to humanoid robots and robotic canines, located in the western Serbian city of Šabac.

At the factory’s inauguration ceremony on August 29, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated the country would unveil domestically produced combat robots within “15 days.”

The robotics plant was established through a collaboration between an automation supplier headquartered in Taiwan and a robotics company based in mainland China.

Given existing defense cooperation between the two nations and China’s dominance in global robotic dog production—accounting for approximately 80% of worldwide output—it is widely considered the most likely source of Serbia’s robotic systems.

Vuk Vuksanović, lecturer in diplomatic policy and great power strategy at King’s College London, noted: “One can only assume these robotic dogs are manufactured in Šabac.”

“The question remains: how advanced is Serbia’s defense system, and does it allow for the integration of Chinese robotic technology, particularly given that defense procurement decisions are not always guided by long-term strategic planning.”

“For China, the primary motivation behind such transactions lies in expanding into new markets, and Serbia could serve as a potential gateway to the European defense sector.”

China is one of the world’s largest suppliers of unmanned platform components, many of which possess dual-use potential—civilian and military—and is rapidly incorporating robotics into its own military capabilities.

During last year’s Beijing military parade, the People’s Liberation Army showcased robotic dogs equipped with combat rifles and reconnaissance gear.

China also displayed similar robotic systems at the 2026 Saudi World Defense Show in February, likely intended to stimulate overseas sales. Among them was the PF-070 system, carrying four anti-tank guided missiles.

Martin Sebena, a lecturer at the University of Hong Kong specializing in Sino-European relations, said the “close collaboration” between the two countries in drone manufacturing is driven by both industrial logic and geopolitical considerations. The Serbian Ministry of Defense has previously referred to China as a partner in air defense and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

“When combined with robotics, this creates a dual-use industrial cluster,” Sebena said. “Geopolitically, manufacturing in Serbia could serve as a form of hedging—allowing robotic systems to be produced locally within Europe, potentially avoiding future import restrictions.”

“Robotics production provides a veneer for the deeper strategic partnership between China and Serbia, aligning with Serbia’s recent trend of purchasing military equipment from China, which has become its largest arms supplier.”

Sebena added that, drawing from precedent with drones, the integration of Chinese robotics into Serbia’s military “could go quite far.”

“The Chinese first sold drones to Serbia, then assisted in developing indigenous drone systems until Serbians could produce them independently,” he said. “A similar scenario may now unfold: China provides expertise, platforms, and software, while Serbia adapts the technology and integrates it into its armed forces.”

Serbia is a major customer of China’s defense industry. According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, between 2021 and 2025, Serbia accounted for 6.8% of Beijing’s arms exports—making it the second-largest buyer after Pakistan, which purchased 61%.

Recent military drills in Belgrade also showcased other Chinese-made weapon systems, including the CH-95 long-range reconnaissance and strike drone for countering low-altitude drone swarms, and the HQ-17AE short-range surface-to-air missile system for engaging combat aircraft.

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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877072765204480/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.