During the ceremony that marked the start of work on the construction of the new General Staff headquarters in Belgrade’s Banjica district, Aleksandar Vucic presented the government’s plans to strengthen the defense industry, with a particular focus on the national development of unmanned aerial technology. As detailed by Europa Press, the President announced that Serbia would open its first large drone factory no later than early April 2026, as part of a strategy to expand military resources and respond to the demands of an international scenario that brings continuous changes.
President Vucic stated in his speech that investments in defense technology have been consolidated in the country and that the armed forces already have a significant number of drones, including models known as “kamikaze drones” and other advanced aircraft. According to Europa Press, the new factory will increase production and, in particular, equip the army’s three main special forces.
The announcement includes a promise that the facility will be capable of producing “sophisticated” drones, with the aim of strengthening national security in the current geopolitical context. Vucic assured that military-technological progress aims to guarantee peace through military strength; “We will keep the peace, and the peace will be kept with our strength,” the Serbian president said during the event, Europa Press reported.
The development of this infrastructure represents a key step in the state’s defense policy at a time when Serbia is conducting open negotiations to join the European Union and continues to maintain close relations with Russia. Vucic pointed out that protecting peace requires a solid army and defense system, which is why he insisted on the state’s intention to continue the modernization and expansion of the military industry. According to Europa Press, the president called for “vigilance and strength” given the speed of international events.
In his official speech, which was also broadcast on his social networks, Vucic emphasized the strategic direction of investments in the field of national security, stressing that the creation of the drone factory corresponds to the need to adapt to technological changes and global challenges related to defense. According to Europa Press, the president explained that the decision to build a plant with these characteristics was a response to efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and strengthen Serbia’s position in the region.
The provision of resources to the military sector, especially for the production of unmanned aerial vehicles, is presented in line with the aspiration to modernize the equipment of the country’s special forces. The President emphasized that planning includes sufficient resources to meet current and future needs, emphasizing drone models with specific capabilities adapted to the functions of military units.
This commitment to the national defense industry is also part of the government’s position to maintain strategic autonomy with regard to security. As Europa Press reported, in addition to announcing the opening date of the factory, Vucic also defended the importance of its own industrial development to ensure the ability to respond to possible threats and improve the operational preparation of the Serbian Armed Forces.
As the country advances in the European accession process, it is reinforcing a defense policy aimed at internal strengthening within the framework of a foreign policy characterized by cooperation with numerous international actors. According to Europa Press, the initiative underlines Serbia’s commitment to equip its army with advanced technology and promote a military-industrial base capable of meeting national needs in a global environment where the pace of change presents constant challenges.
The laying of the foundation stone of the future General Staff Headquarters served as a stage to reaffirm these goals and encourage the armed forces and citizens to support the strategy of self-sufficiency and national military development. According to Europa Press, Vucic emphasized that maintaining peace depends on defense capability and the state’s decision to continue investing in defense industry and technology.
With the commissioning of the new drone factory and strengthening national production, Serbia aims to consolidate its technological independence in military affairs, strengthen the capabilities of its special forces and secure a more solid position in the current dynamics of the international scene, as confirmed by the head of state during the ceremony in Belgrade.
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