The Serbian government, under President Aleksandar Vucic’s leadership, has recently unveiled plans to manufacture and deploy 5,000 kamikaze drones named “Mosquito” (Komarac). These unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) are equipped with warheads and are designed for swift and precise strikes. President Vucic personally inspected prototypes of these drones during a visit to the Military Technical Institute, where he emphasized the goal of reaching a fleet of 5,000 Mosquito drones. In addition to the Mosquito, another UAV showcased to the President was the “Vrabac,” intended for shorter-range reconnaissance and surveillance missions spanning up to 25 km.
The Mosquito kamikaze drones are intended to be armed with warheads made by the state-owned Krusik Corporation, indicating their potential for lethal impact. These drones boast an aerodynamic design for rapid deployment towards their targets, with the capability to return to base if the target isn’t acquired within a set timeframe. Although specific details regarding the drones remain undisclosed by the Serbian Ministry of Defense, industry experts estimate them to be FPV-style aircraft costing up to $1.3 million each, with deliveries anticipated between 2024 and 2025.
President Vucic’s visit to the Military Technical Institute underscored his commitment to accelerating the development and deployment of UAVs. He pledged increased financial investment to expedite the process, emphasizing the importance of ensuring these drones are operational by the year’s end. Vu?i? reiterated Serbia’s stance as a neutral nation, highlighting the need to bolster its defense capabilities to safeguard its sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strength to deter potential aggression from neighboring countries.
While Serbia asserts its neutrality, its collaboration with foreign entities in developing advanced drone technology raises questions. Notably, Serbia’s joint venture with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) resulted in the creation of the Pegasus multi-role UCAV. Additionally, the acquisition of CASC-built FH-92 twin-boom fixed-wing drones has fueled skepticism regarding Serbia’s proclaimed neutrality. As Serbia pushes forward with its ambitious drone program, concerns linger regarding its impact on regional stability and the broader geopolitical landscape.
