Full Breakdown
Serbia Opens Drone Assembly Plant in Partnership with Israeli Firm
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Inauguration of the Drone Factory
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic inaugurated a facility to assemble Israeli-designed drones for the Serbian armed forces and export. The plant will employ about 100 workers, and officials said at least three additional factories are planned.
Background & Context
Serbia’s military modernization includes a €335 million 2024 contract with Israeli defence company Elbit Systems for artillery systems and Hermes 900 drones, followed by a €1.6 billion 2025 agreement covering drones, long-range missiles and electronic-warfare equipment. The non-NATO country stresses “neutrality” while expanding defence ties with Israel, China and Russia.
Key Figures & Groups
- Aleksandar Vucic — President of Serbia
- Elbit Systems — Israeli defence firm, 51 % stake in the joint venture (CalcalistTech)
- Jugoimport SDPR — Serbian state-owned arms producer, 49 % stake
- Avivit Bar-Ilan — Israeli ambassador to Serbia, appeared in the inauguration video
Data & Statistics
- Employment: ~100 workers at the new facility.
- Arms-export growth to Israel: €1.4 million in 2023 to €42.3 million in 2024 (BIRN, Haaretz).
- Investment contracts with Elbit: €335 million (2024) and €1.6 billion (2025).
Official Statements & Responses
Vucic called the drones “state-of-the-art” and said, “Our plans are huge,” indicating an intention to open more factories with Israeli partners. He framed the project as a means to “preserve peace and stability.” No comment was provided by Elbit Systems at the ceremony.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Some outlets (Straitstimes, ABC News, Macaubusiness) said the Israeli partner was unnamed at the inauguration.
- Others (CalcalistTech, EuropeanInterest) identified the partner as Elbit Systems, specifying the 51/49 ownership split and locating the plant in Simanovci, about 30 km west of Belgrade.
- Independent verification of the factory’s exact location and capacity is lacking.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now you can see how the drone is used and how it works,” — Aleksandar Vucic
- “I opened a factory assembling state-of-the-art Israeli-made drones,” — Aleksandar Vucic
- “Our plans are huge. We believe that with our Israeli partners we will open at least three more factories across Serbia,” — Aleksandar Vucic
Why It Matters
The plant shifts Serbia from importing drones to assembling them domestically, expanding export potential and deepening defence cooperation with Israel while maintaining a neutral stance amid regional security concerns.
What's Next
Serbia’s early parliamentary election is scheduled for October 25, a contest that could shape the government’s future defence strategy.