> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.adriadefense.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Serbian Prime Minister Highlights Strategic Role of Defense Industry at Partner 2025 Exhibition - URL: https://www.adriadefense.com/serbian-prime-minister-highlights-strategic-role-of-defense-industry-at-partner-2025-exhibition/ - Published: 2025-09-27T15:29:57.000Z - Updated: 2025-09-27T21:37:08.000Z - Description: At the opening of Belgrade’s major defence fair, PM Đuro Macut underlined the sector’s growing economic importance and international reach. - Author: AdriaDefense Desk - Tags: #Serbian Prime Minister, #Partner 2025, Ministry of Defense of Serbia, Industry, Events, #Duro Macut, #Djuro Macut, #Kragujevac artillery, Bratislav Gašić, Nenad Miloradović, #Nenad Miloradovic, #Jugoimport SDPR, Zastava Arms, #Krusik, #Sloboda Cacak, #Zastava Tervo, Prvi Partizan, #Milan Blagojevic, #Dassault Aviation **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**.