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Rafale aircraft: sale to Serbia raises questions
After two days in Serbia, Emmanuel Macron is back in France. The head of state notably signed the sale of 12 Rafale aircraft. A sensitive agreement due to Serbia’s proximity to Russia.
(France Info)
After two days in Serbia, Emmanuel Macron is back in France. The head of state notably signed the sale of 12 Rafale aircraft. A sensitive agreement due to Serbia’s proximity to Russia.
The purchase of 12 Rafale aircraft is an event for Serbia, a country with contested alliances.I see so many people who criticize Serbia for having partnerships with Russia and China. Let’s congratulate when the partnership is made with France“, confided Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of his trip.
Serbia is a special client. Its army is glorified in the streets of Belgrade, banners display hostility towards NATO. The country wants to join the European Union, but its sponsor is Russia.
Serbian President Appears With Vladimir Putin and Refuses to Apply Sanctions Against MoscowSelling Rafales is betting that Serbia will prefer to join the European Union, which is not certain“, confides Sylvie Matelly, director of the Jacques Delors Institute.
Could these planes one day serve the Russian camp? The manufacturer Dassault has not sold the missiles. “It is impossible for Serbia to transfer them to Russia, and for Russia to know how to operate them because maintenance will not be assured,” says Xavier Tylteman, editor-in-chief of Air et Cosmos.
This contract will bring in nearly 3 billion euros.
