BELGRADE — Tanks, jeeps, and troopers paraded by way of the Serbian capital underneath vibrant sunshine on September 20, in a large navy spectacle that some opposition figures criticized as a politicization of the armed forces.
Overhead, Russian-made MiG-29s roared throughout the skies alongside French-produced Rafale jets, underlining Serbia’s geopolitical balancing act as a rustic that seeks shut ties with each Russia and the West.
President Aleksandar Vucic described the parade as “a supply of pleasure for Serbia.” It included some 10,000 personnel and a pair of,600 items of navy gear.
Elsewhere within the metropolis, a number of hundred folks staged a protest. The occasion got here amid months of nationwide protests following the deadly collapse of a part of a railway station constructing within the northern metropolis of Novi Sad in November.
Protesters have demanded early elections and a crackdown on corruption.
In a press release scholar demonstrators acknowledged that “the present authorities has, over the previous 13 years, actively undermined the integrity, popularity, independence, and apolitical nature of our military.”
Police prevented the protestors getting close to the parade. It was a largely peaceable gathering, with minor scuffles earlier than the group dispersed.
The authorities mentioned the parade was to mark a nationwide vacation — the Day of Serbian Unity, Freedom, and the National Flag.
“This is Serbia’s survival and victory, a Serbia that wishes peace and prosperity, and is aware of easy methods to protect its dignity, territory, and future,” Vucic wrote on Instagram shortly after the parade ended.
Vucic has mentioned Serbia should rearm. “Everyone is arming to the tooth. The area can be arming, and it’s our responsibility to not fall behind,” he mentioned in 2024. That 12 months, Serbia spend some $2.2 billion on protection, some 2.6 p.c of gross home product.
Prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Serbia largely relied on Russian weaponry.
The buy of Rafale fighter jets — agreed upon throughout a go to to Serbia by French President Emmanuel Macron in August 2024 — was seen by some consultants as a strategic pivot by Serbia towards the West in protection issues.
But Vucic has continued to domesticate his multi-vector strategy to overseas and protection coverage, cultivating ties with each Moscow and China.
Along with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he was in China earlier this month for celebrations marking the top of World War II that additionally included a large navy parade in Beijing.
Serbia additionally makes use of Chinese navy gear, resembling CH-92A fight drones.
