Serbia’s Election Winners Target 5% Defense Spending and New Air Defense Shield

BELGRADE, November 9, 2026 — Serbia’s election-winning Student List has unveiled an ambitious defense modernization program that would raise military expenditure to 5% of gross domestic product, expand air defense capabilities and increase military salaries by up to 30%.

The proposal was presented on November 7 by Luka Ponorac, a former Serbian Armed Forces officer and representative of the movement, in an interview with public broadcaster RTS. The Student List secured 140 of 250 parliamentary seats in the October 25 election, giving it a majority as Serbia prepares for a change of government.

Ponorac said the movement intends to increase defense spending gradually, initially targeting 3% of GDP before moving toward 5%. Implementation would depend on the financial position and military resources inherited by the incoming administration.

Long-Range Missiles, Air Defenses and Drones

The proposed modernization program places particular emphasis on acquiring rocket artillery systems with ranges of 150 to 300 kilometers and developing an integrated air defense network incorporating short-, medium- and long-range systems.

Other priorities include network-centric command and control, secure military communications, air surveillance and early-warning capabilities, and additional unmanned aerial vehicles.

Serbia has already invested heavily in air defense modernization. Its existing inventory includes the Chinese-made FK-3 medium-range missile system, capable of engaging targets at distances of up to 100 kilometers, and the Russian-made Pantsir-S1 short-range system.

The new proposal signals an ambition to expand and integrate these capabilities into a more comprehensive national air defense architecture. Ponorac did not identify prospective suppliers, procurement budgets or delivery timelines.

What Would 5% of GDP Mean for Serbia?

Official figures suggest the proposed increase would be substantial, although smaller than the doubling of expenditure suggested by some initial reports.

According to Serbia’s Ministry of Finance, the revised 2026 budget allocates RSD 315.9 billion, approximately €2.69 billion, to the Ministry of Defense and Serbian Armed Forces. That represents 2.8% of GDP.

At the same economic level, a 5% allocation would amount to approximately RSD 564 billion, or €4.8 billion annually. This represents an increase of roughly 79%, equivalent to an additional €2.1 billion.

The proposed target also matches the headline 5% defense investment commitment adopted by NATO members for 2035, although the definitions differ. NATO’s target includes 3.5% for core military requirements and up to 1.5% for broader defense and security investments. Serbia is not a NATO member.

Military Pay and Defense Industry Reform

Beyond equipment procurement, the Student List proposes salary increases of 20% to 30% for military personnel, alongside changes intended to address disparities between operational units, senior officers and military educators.

Ponorac also called for strengthening the Military Technical Institute and the Technical Test Center, institutions central to Serbia’s domestic defense research, weapons development and equipment testing.

The program includes tighter legal oversight of military security services and examinations of potential past misconduct.

The proposals could create additional opportunities for domestic manufacturers and international defense suppliers, particularly in missile systems, surveillance technology, unmanned platforms and military communications.

However, the movement has not presented a detailed financing plan or implementation schedule. With the new government yet to take office, the 5% target remains a political commitment rather than an approved defense budget.