Serbia Purchases Chinese Supersonic Missiles

According to Reuters on Friday, the 13th, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed during a live broadcast on the Serbian national television RTS on Thursday evening that Serbia has recently purchased the Chinese-developed CM-400AKG air-to-surface ballistic missile for its air force, making it the first country in Europe to use this weapon.

The report pointed out that Serbia is trying to balance its relationship with NATO and its desire to join the EU, with its centuries-old religious, ethnic, and political alliance with Russia, as well as its strategic relations with China (a major investor in Serbia).

"We already have a considerable number of these missiles, and we will increase them in the future," Vučić said in the live broadcast. Previously, photos of Serbian aircraft equipped with the missile were leaked online.

Vučić said that the Serbian Air Force has modified its Soviet-made MiG-29 fighters to carry the CM-400AKG missile.

Croatia Criticizes the Missile Purchase

Croatia is an EU and NATO member state, and also a historical rival of Serbia from the wars in the 1990s. Croatia criticized Serbia's purchase of the missile, claiming it threatens regional stability, attempts to change the military balance, and exacerbates the arms race in the Balkans.

The CM-400AKG missile was developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), a supersonic air-to-surface ballistic missile capable of carrying a 150 kg (330 lb) high-explosive warhead or a 200 kg (440 lb) armor-piercing warhead, with a range of up to 400 km (248 miles).

This missile was first used in combat in the India-Pakistan conflict in 2025, when the Pakistani Air Force used it to attack India's S-400 air defense system.

Vučić refused to disclose the exact price of the missile purchase, stating only that he received "a small discount" and that the price was "slightly lower" than Pakistan's, as part of a total $17 billion defense upgrade plan.

Serbia's military spending accounts for about 2.6% of GDP this year.

Recent Military Procurement Trends in Serbia

In addition to the CM-400AKG supersonic missile, Serbia has also purchased the Chinese FK-3 surface-to-air air defense system (similar to the Russian S-300 or the American Patriot system) and the CH-92A combat drone in recent years. It has also bought 12 new "Rafale" fighter jets from France's Dassault company, as well as helicopters and transport aircraft from Airbus.

According to a report by Bloomberg, several days before the interview broadcast, the Tango Six website based in Belgrade had already reported the news and released photos of Serbian aircraft equipped with the Chinese supersonic missile.

Thus, Serbia, which once engaged in large-scale wars with neighboring NATO countries in the 1990s, has become the first country in Europe to possess Chinese-made CM400 missiles.

Vučić pointed out that part of the reason for Serbia's advancement of its defense construction plan is his belief that the newly formed "military alliance" between Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo poses a threat to Serbia.

He said, "We cannot and do not want to attack NATO countries. But I sincerely believe that they are just waiting for the right moment when the world falls into chaos."

However, Croatian Prime Minister Plenković criticized Serbia's purchase of the above missiles, claiming it threatens regional stability, attempts to change the regional military balance, and is a sign of the escalating military competition in the Balkans. He stated that he could not imagine under what circumstances Serbia would need to use hypersonic missiles against its neighbors, and said he would discuss the issue of Belgrade acquiring such "serious weapons" with NATO allies.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859662476936204/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.