Serbia Explores Aviation Defense Cooperation With Textron and Prince Aviation
Serbia’s Ministry of Defence has opened discussions with Textron Aviation Defense and Belgrade-based Prince Aviation on potential projects aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Serbian Armed Forces.
Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gašić met representatives of the two aviation companies in Belgrade on July 16 to discuss possible models for cooperation and the implementation of projects considered important for Serbia’s defense system.
The meeting included Textron Aviation Defense representatives George F. Sanchez and Robert Gibbs, alongside Đorđe Petković of Prince Aviation. The Serbian Ministry of Defence did not identify any specific aircraft, programme, procurement plan or investment under consideration.
Gašić said the ministry places considerable importance on cooperation with aviation-sector companies, indicating that the talks were focused not only on equipment but also on the broader development of national defence capabilities.
Textron Aviation Defense’s portfolio includes the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II military trainer and the AT-6 Wolverine light-attack and armed reconnaissance aircraft. The company also provides maintenance, logistics and military aviation training services, potentially creating several areas for cooperation beyond the direct purchase of aircraft.
Prince Aviation could provide an important local industrial and support component in any future arrangement. The Serbian company operates aviation training and maintenance organisations and is an authorised Textron Aviation service facility for piston aircraft, as well as a recognised non-destructive inspection facility.
The company holds Serbian and European maintenance approvals and has expanded its maintenance infrastructure at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. Its existing relationship with Textron could make it a potential partner for local maintenance, technical training, logistics or through-life support connected to future Serbian military aviation programmes.
The talks come as Serbia continues a broad modernisation of its military aviation capabilities, including the planned introduction of French Rafale fighters and investments in transport aviation, helicopters, unmanned systems and pilot training.
However, the latest meeting should be viewed as an exploratory industry engagement rather than evidence of an imminent contract. Neither the Serbian government nor the participating companies announced a timetable, financial value or defined programme following the discussions.
