France and Serbia sign Rafale fighter jet deal during Macron visit

President Emmanuel Macron and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic attend the formalization in Belgrade of an agreement on the purchase by Serbia of twelve French Rafale fighter jets. Several other economic and cooperation agreements were signed during the French president's visit to Belgrade, where he declared his desire to "anchor Serbia in Europe".

The dozen multi-role fighter aircraft will help Serbia modernise its air force and replace ageing Soviet-era combat jets. Serbia has long been close to Russia and China and purchased arms from both countries over the years, while relying on the Kremlin and Beijing for diplomatic backing over its dispute with Kosovo.