At the beginning of March, an Israeli cargo plane flew from Tel Aviv to Belgrade before returning to Israel, according to data from Radio Free Europe (RFE) and flight tracking websites.
The aircraft, designed for heavy and potentially dangerous cargo, including weapons, has not disclosed its specific load, and relevant authorities have provided no official explanation. The private Israeli company “Challenge Airlines IL” reportedly conducted at least nine flights between Serbia and Israel in the past month, including two flights after the escalation of the Israeli-Iranian conflict on February 28, 2026.
Inquiries by RFE to Serbian ministries and the airline went unanswered. Serbia had suspended arms exports in June 2025 under an order from President Aleksandar Vučić, but records from two state-owned factories indicate that exports resumed in February 2026.
Official arms export data remain limited, with details on destinations, quantities, and types of weapons largely unknown. In 2025, Serbia exported weapons and ammunition worth approximately $50 million, half of the 2024 level. Belgrade Airport has not provided specifics on cargo related to Israel but stated that its infrastructure usage complies with international and national regulations.
RFE notes that even during Serbia’s arms export moratorium, some shipments reportedly continued to destinations including Azerbaijan and Cyprus. Legally, arms export licenses require approval from multiple ministries and certification by the end-user, aiming to prevent violations of international sanctions and armed conflicts. However, most ammunition exports are not publicly reported, making oversight extremely challenging.
