Serbia Military

Serbia is a Central European nation located in the Balkan Peninsula. It has a population of 7 million people as of 2018. Serbia is an independent state and part of the European Union since 2013. The country has a military and defense force, including an army, air force, and gendarmerie. Serbia’s defense forces are responsible for protecting the country’s borders and providing security within its borders. The country also relies on regional organizations such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for defense. The OSCE is a joint effort between 57 European nations to provide security for its member states. It includes naval patrols in territorial waters, air surveillance, and various other security measures. In addition to this regional defense system, Serbia also relies on its police force to maintain law and order within its borders. The Serbian Police Force is responsible for upholding laws within the country’s jurisdiction while also providing assistance to other members of OSCE when needed. See naturegnosis to learn more about the country of Serbia.

Defense

After Montenegro declared itself an independent state on June 3, 2006, Serbia followed suit after June 5 of that year. Serbia’s territorial situation was further complicated when Kosovo declared itself an independent state on February 17, 2008. See the Yugoslav wars for the historical background. To see related acronyms about this country, please check ABBREVIATIONFINDER where you can see that SRB stands for Serbia.

Serbia Army

Serbia’s defense has been based on military service since 2006 with 6 months basic education. The standing defense of 24,000 men (2008) is organized into 4 brigades with about 57 fighter aircraft and 53 armed helicopters. The battleships were transferred to Montenegro. The reserves amount to 54,000 men from the former territorial associations. However, the reserve value of the reserves can be called into question. The defense equipment is semi-modern with the exception of e.g. some MiG-29 fighter aircraft.

Defense costs increased in 1985-96 from 3.8% to 8.7% of GDP and in 2006 amounted to 2.5% of GDP. Serbia participates in the UN peacekeeping operation with observers in three countries. The UN peacekeeping forces in Serbia (KFOR) contain observers from 47 countries and troops from, among others. Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Turkey, Germany, Hungary, USA and Austria.

Serbia has had voluntary military service from 2011, and the initial service is six months. Serbia’s armed forces have 28,150 active personnel with a reserve of 50,150 personnel (2018, IISS). Serbia has no navy of its own, but a river fleet that falls under the army.

Since 1999, a NATO-led UN force (KFOR) has been stationed in the province of Kosovo. In 2018, the force was around 2,500 personnel, with a reserve of 800 personnel. Norway has contributed KFOR personnel since its inception.

  • COUNTRYAAH: Do you know where is Serbia on the world map? Come to see the location and all bordering countries of Serbia.

Army

The army has 13 250 active personnel. Of material has army 212 tanks (199 M-84, which is a Serb variant of T-72, and 13 T-72), 46 reconnaissance vehicles, 335 armored vehicles, 83 armored personnel carriers, 48 armored fighters and about 70 self-propelled artillery. In addition, the Army has heavy artillery, short-range air defense missiles and anti-aircraft artillery.

The army’s river fleet includes five patrol boats, four minesweepers, five landings, and two logistics and auxiliary vessels.

Air Force

The Air Force has 5100 active personnel. Of material has the RAF 13 fighters (four MiG-21 and nine MiG-29), 17 fighter type J-22, 12 reconnaissance, 10 transport, 42 trainers and 62 helicopters including two combat helicopters of the type Mi-24. In addition, the Air Force has short range air defense missiles.

International operations

Serbia participated in UN operations in 2018, including the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) with 73 personnel, and in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 177 personnel.