Serbian Prime Minister Highlights Strategic Role of Defense Industry at Partner 2025 Exhibition
At the opening of Belgrade’s major defence fair, PM Đuro Macut underlined the sector’s growing economic importance and international reach.
BELGRADE – Serbian Prime Minister Duro Macut emphasized the strategic and economic importance of the country’s defence industry at the opening of the 12th International Defence Exhibition “Partner 2025”, held in Belgrade this week.
Macut stated that the revitalization of Serbia’s defense manufacturing sector in recent years has placed the country back on the global map of arms and military equipment producers.
“The strong political commitment to developing Serbia’s defence capabilities independently has given a major boost to domestic expertise in research and development, resulting in a series of successful projects,” Macut said during his opening remarks.
According to the prime minister, these initiatives have led to the production of advanced combat systems for the Serbian Armed Forces, attracting significant international interest from foreign buyers.
“Our defence industry must have the confidence to act as a key pillar of our national capacity to safeguard freedom,” he added.
Historical Legacy and Economic Value
Reflecting on Serbia’s defense heritage, Macut recalled the founding of the Kragujevac artillery foundry in 1853, marking the start of domestic weapons manufacturing. He stressed that throughout history, the country’s defence factories have played a vital role not only in national security but also as drivers of industrial growth.
The Partner 2025 fair, he said, serves as an opportunity to showcase to the professional community the achievements of Serbia’s defense industry, while also fostering new international partnerships.
“The large number of foreign exhibitors present confirms that they value our openness and potential for cooperation,” Macut noted, adding that the event reflects Serbia’s foreign policy of consistency and partnership.
Tour of Domestic and International Exhibitors
Following the opening ceremony, Macut toured the exhibition alongside Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic, representatives of the Serbian Armed Forces, and foreign delegations.
Nenad Miloradovic, Assistant Minister for Material Resources, presented a range of domestic products including loitering munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles, protective equipment, small arms, anti-tank systems, and artillery platforms.
The delegation visited stands of leading Serbian defence manufacturers such as Jugoimport SDPR, Zastava Arms, Krušik, Sloboda Cacak, Zastava Tervo, and Prvi Partizan, as well as international exhibitors from China, Russia, France, and others.
Among the highlights was the presence of Dassault Aviation, following Serbia’s recent purchase of Rafale fighter jets.
About the Exhibition
Partner 2025 runs until September 26 at the Belgrade Fairgrounds, featuring over 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, India, Iran, and Belarus.
The exhibition showcases a broad range of defence technologies — from artillery and missile systems to armoured vehicles, radars, small arms, ballistic protection, and training equipment — underscoring the event’s role as one of Southeast Europe’s premier defence industry gatherings.
