Serbia's Arms Production Ties to Israel Amid Controversy and Legal Risks
Serbia plans to open a drone factory in partnership with Elbit Systems, significantly increasing its arms exports to Israel. This partnership raises legal and ethical concerns, particularly in light of international scrutiny over Serbia's military cooperation with a country accused of genocide.
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Serbia is set to open a drone factory in Šimanovci, a joint venture with Elbit Systems, which will produce advanced drones and enhance Serbia's military capabilities. Defense spending in Serbia increased from €1.27 billion in 2020 to €2.32 billion in 2024, with a significant portion allocated to Israeli arms, including a $1.6 billion deal signed in August 2025.
Serbian arms exports to Israel rose dramatically from €3 million in 2023 to €114 million in 2025. Despite international calls to halt arms shipments to Israel, Serbia continues its exports, raising legal concerns under the Genocide Convention.
A UN report implicates companies like Elbit in profiting from military actions against Palestinians, complicating Serbia's EU accession ambitions. The ongoing partnership, while beneficial for Serbia's military modernization, poses risks regarding international legal accountability and domestic public opinion.
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