Serbia’s Yugoimport Seeks Expanded Defense Cooperation With Azerbaijan

Serbian state-owned defense company Yugoimport SDPR is seeking to expand military-industrial cooperation with Azerbaijan in unmanned aerial vehicles, counter-drone technology and short-range air defense systems. The company outlined its plans during the ADEX 2026 defense exhibition in Baku, which runs from September 30 to October 2.

Aleksandar Lijaković, coordinator of Yugoimport SDPR's Commercial Affairs Directorate, told Azerbaijan's Report news agency on October 1 that the two countries have an established defense relationship involving equipment deliveries and technology transfer.

The Serbian company sees opportunities to expand this relationship across several defense technology segments, including drones, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, ammunition and explosives.

Yugoimport Presents Gavran Loitering Munition at ADEX 2026

Among the systems highlighted by Yugoimport was the Gavran loitering munition, a Serbian-developed unmanned weapon designed for reconnaissance and precision strikes.

The version described at ADEX has a reported operational range of up to 120 kilometers and incorporates a thermal imaging camera and a data transmission link.

According to Yugoimport's published technical information, the electrically powered Gavran variant has a flight endurance of approximately 50 minutes. The aircraft uses a rocket-assisted launch system before transitioning to its propulsion motor.

Gavran is part of a broader family of unmanned systems developed by Serbia's defense industry. Yugoimport has also presented configurations with different propulsion systems, operational ranges and payloads.

The company has not announced a contract to supply Gavran to Azerbaijan, and its presentation at ADEX should not be interpreted as a confirmed procurement decision.

Existing Nora Artillery Cooperation Provides a Foundation

Serbia and Azerbaijan already cooperate in the artillery sector through the Serbian-made 155 mm Nora self-propelled howitzer.

Lijaković referred to previous deliveries of Nora systems to Azerbaijan and highlighted the platform's continuing modernization. The latest configuration incorporates an ammunition-handling system with 30 ready-to-fire rounds.

The relationship also extends to military training. In October 2025, Serbian and Azerbaijani artillery units completed a two-week joint training program covering the operation of Nora self-propelled howitzers.

The program involved training near Niš and live-fire exercises at Serbia's Pasuljanske Livade training area. Serbian instructors trained Azerbaijani artillery personnel in the operation and tactical employment of the system.

This existing relationship provides an established channel for further equipment deliveries, training and potential industrial cooperation.

Further Agreements Remain Unconfirmed

Yugoimport's interest in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan reflects its broader role as an integrator and exporter of Serbia's defense-industrial products.

The company supplies artillery systems, armored vehicles, ammunition, missiles and unmanned platforms, while also participating in technology transfer and industrial cooperation projects.

Its presence at ADEX 2026 provides an opportunity to present these capabilities to Azerbaijani defense officials and potential industrial partners.

However, neither a new procurement agreement nor a specific joint production project was announced in connection with Lijaković's October 1 statements. The financial value, equipment quantities and implementation schedule of any future cooperation remain undisclosed.