Serbia's incoming government vows to halt arms trade with Israel
Serbia's incoming government, led by the election-winning Student List movement, has pledged to end arms exports to Israel and halt a joint drone manufacturing project, potentially reshaping military cooperation between the two countries.
Filip Ubovic, a prominent representative of the movement, outlined the proposed changes in an interview with British journalist Aaron Bastani on Novara Media's podcast on November 14.
Ubovic said the movement's foreign policy programme explicitly commits to ending military trade with Israel, citing the situation in Gaza.
"What is happening there is a stain on humanity, and it is truly sad. Our program says we will stop arms trade with Israel," he said.
He also criticized former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's close relationship with Israel, describing the establishment of an Israeli-linked drone factory in Serbia as unacceptable and calling for the project to be stopped.
Serbia's military trade with Israel reaches €114 million
The proposed measures could affect a growing defence relationship between Belgrade and Tel Aviv.
According to figures cited by Serbian business outlet eKapija, Serbian exports of arms and military equipment to Israel reached €114 million between 2023 and 2025.
Serbia has also made multimillion-euro purchases of Israeli military systems, further expanding defence cooperation.
A major development came in September, when Vucic inaugurated a drone assembly facility in Belgrade established through cooperation between Israeli defence company Elbit Systems and Serbian company SDS Technologies.
The facility was expected to employ approximately 100 workers and assemble Israeli-designed drones for the Serbian Armed Forces and foreign military customers.
Vucic also announced plans to establish at least three additional production facilities across Serbia in cooperation with Israeli partners.
The project was presented as part of Serbia's efforts to develop a so-called digital army and accelerate military decision-making. Media access to the facility was restricted, with authorities citing the confidential nature of its operations.
Vucic questions proposed foreign policy shift
Vucic has criticised the Student List's proposed approach to Serbia's international defence partnerships, questioning its willingness to cooperate with major military powers.
"We have learned from another one of them that they will not cooperate with Israel, that they will not cooperate with China, that they will not cooperate with those who have the most powerful armies and the most powerful weapons and equipment in the world," he said.
"To whom are we handing over the country? And from whom, and how, will we be able to protect and defend ourselves?" he added.
The Student List's foreign policy programme also condemns Israeli military operations in Gaza and calls for expanded humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
Government formation remains pending
Despite the pledges, Serbia's new government has not yet been formally established.
No official decision has been announced to suspend arms exports to Israel or terminate the joint drone manufacturing project.
The proposed changes could therefore mark a significant shift in Serbia's defence and foreign policy, although their implementation will depend on the formation of the new government and its subsequent decisions.
Source:AA
