Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced that Serbia purchased hypersonic ballistic missiles from Beijing, prompting neighboring Croatia to consider a NATO response. Vučić insisted that Serbia has no intention to attack anyone, emphasizing that the Serbian Army has “a significant number of missiles and will have even more,” and claimed that a military alliance of Zagreb, Tirana, and Prishtina poses a regional threat.
Croatian President Zoran Milanović described Vučić’s statements as “unusual” and argued that the memorandum signed by Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo on military cooperation “is not a military alliance.” Milanović expressed concern about Serbia acquiring hypersonic missiles, questioning the country’s intentions and the source of funds, while acknowledging that Serbia’s desire for strong defense is understandable given historical experiences.
Milanović emphasized that the Croatian military and its NATO allies are fully capable of defense, saying that Serbia lacks the means to launch an effective attack against the region. He added that allegations by Vučić suggesting a preemptive threat from Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo are unfounded and “absurd.”
Responding to Milanović, Vučić said at a rally in Bajina Bašta that he will “protect peace and stability in Serbia” and that no Croatian or foreign leader will dictate what he says. He added that had he known how much Croatians would “like” the missile purchase, he would have bought it earlier, underscoring that Serbia wants peaceful relations with Croatia while maintaining the capacity to deter potential threats.
Serbian Chief of the General Staff, Milan Mojsilović, stated that the acquisition of new weapons, including missiles, is aimed at strengthening security and that there is no reason for regional anxiety. He also emphasized the link between national security and economic stability, noting that a strong defense supports a strong economy.
