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Serbia Opens Facility to Assemble Israeli-Designed Military Drones
Just the facts
The production facility is designed to employ approximately 100 workers and manufacture unmanned aerial systems for both the Serbian Armed Forces and international military customers. Serbian officials did not disclose the precise geographic location of the plant or officially identify the corporate contractor, citing production confidentiality, though prior reporting by BIRN and Haaretz linked the joint operation to Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems. President Vucic stated that Serbia intends to open at least three additional military manufacturing facilities across the country in cooperation with Israeli defense firms. The expansion follows an increase in bilateral defense commerce, with Serbian arms exports to Israel rising from 1.4 million euros in 2023 to 42.3 million euros in 2024.
Why this is news
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic inaugurated a new manufacturing facility on September 17, 2026, dedicated to assembling advanced military drones in partnership with an Israeli defense contractor. The opening ceremony included a site tour conducted alongside Israeli Ambassador to Serbia Avivit Bar-Ilan.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.