Finance Minister Siniša Mali announced that Serbia has made the second advance payment of 411.75 million euros for the purchase of new French Rafale fighter jets, 15 days ahead of schedule.
The first advance installment, of the same amount, was paid in October of the previous year. With this payment, the full 30 percent advance for the acquisition of the aircraft has been completed.
Mali emphasized that the contract for the purchase of 12 Rafale jets, considered among the best multi-purpose combat aircraft in the world, was signed in late August of the previous year. The agreement was finalized in Belgrade, in the presence of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and French President Emmanuel Macron.
He noted that the acquisition of the jets would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Serbian Armed Forces and secure the country’s airspace for the long term.
“This major and significant investment will bolster the overall security of our country and its citizens. I would also like to highlight that Serbia’s purchase of these jets does not pose a threat to anyone, but is aimed at protecting our sovereignty and independence,” Mali stated.
Despite being one of the largest financial investments for Serbia’s armed forces, Mali assured that the country has the necessary funds for this purchase, without jeopardizing public finances or increasing the public debt-to-GDP ratio.
