The Associated Press (AP) reports that Serbia staged a massive military parade in Belgrade, showcasing tanks, missile systems, and fighter jets in what officials described as “the largest display of the nation’s military power in its history.”
President Aleksandar Vučić, addressing the parade that featured around 10,000 troops, said the show of force highlighted Serbia’s ability to defend its independence and sovereignty, while also serving as a deterrent to any foreign aggressor. He reminded that Serbia is “largely surrounded by NATO member states.”
According to AP, the parade included domestically produced weapons, Israeli-made rocket launchers, drones purchased from the UAE, tanks supplied by Russia, and Chinese air defense systems — reflecting Belgrade’s close ties with Moscow and Beijing despite its declared goal of joining the EU.
Military experts gave particular attention to the Israeli PULS system, a versatile rocket artillery platform with a range of up to 300 km, meaning it could reach most Balkan capitals. Another highlight was the appearance of French Rafale fighter jets, with Serbia having ordered 12 units expected for delivery in the coming years.
Critics argued the parade was aimed less at showcasing military strength and more at bolstering Vučić’s populist rule, which has come under pressure from student-led protests and increasing international scrutiny of his increasingly authoritarian governance.
Opposition leaders accused the government of using the military as political support, while human rights groups noted that some civil servants were pressured to attend and were bused in by the hundreds.
AP also reported that riot police blocked university students and opposition supporters, who for over 10 months have organized anti-corruption protests against Vučić’s government, from joining parade spectators.
The protests began in November last year, after the collapse of a concrete roof at the renovated Novi Sad railway station killed 16 people. The tragedy sparked a broad movement demanding justice for the victims, with protesters blaming corruption-fueled negligence for the disaster.
