Story perspectives

Serbia Acquires Chinese Missiles, Sparks Regional Tensions

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

On March 12, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced Serbia acquired Chinese CM-400AKG missiles, becoming the first European operator.
Serbia's air force adapted its Soviet-made MiG-29 jets to carry the missiles.
Vucic said Serbia will expand its military while balancing ties with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and European Union (EU) alongside Russia and China.
Croatia criticized the purchase as a threat to regional stability and the Balkans' arms race.

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Story summary

On March 12, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced Serbia acquired Chinese CM-400AKG missiles, becoming the first European operator.
Serbia's air force adapted its Soviet-made MiG-29 jets to carry the missiles.
Vucic said Serbia will expand its military while balancing ties with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and European Union (EU) alongside Russia and China.
Croatia criticized the purchase as a threat to regional stability and the Balkans' arms race.