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Serbia showcases Russian, Chinese and Israeli weapons in Belgrade military parade amid student protests

Serbia holds first military parade in 11 years showcasing Russian, Chinese and Israeli weapons systems while students protest against Vučić regime.

Serbia showcases Russian, Chinese and Israeli weapons in Belgrade military parade amid student protests
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With new weapons systems, the first major military parade in Belgrade was successfully completed -after 11 years-, featuring 10,000 members of Serbia’s armed forces. It should be noted that Serbia’s last military parade was held in 2014 in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The grand event showcased military equipment from Russia, China and Israel for the first time. However, student organizations criticized the event, characterizing it as a “show of force aimed at dividing society.”

Read: CNN Analysis: Xi’s “war or peace” dilemma and the display of military power that challenges the West and USA

Serbia: The new military equipment

Specifically, the parade showcased the military equipment of the Serbian armed forces. However, the show was “stolen” by modern anti-aircraft systems such as the Russian “Pantsir” and the Chinese “FK-3.” For the first time, the new weapons of the Serbian army were presented to the public, including the “PULS” missile system and the “Hermes-900” unmanned aircraft recently acquired from Israel. The surprise of the parade was the flyover of two Rafale aircraft from the French air force. These aircraft arrived in Serbia specifically for this purpose and returned immediately to France without landing. It should be noted that Serbia signed a contract in August 2024 for the purchase of 12 new Rafale aircraft.

Student anger in Serbia: The army belongs to the people

While the military parade was taking place in Belgrade, students organized a rally with the slogan “The army belongs to the people.” Student organizations and opposition parties denounce that today’s parade constitutes a “show of force by the Vučić regime aimed at dividing rather than uniting society.” Students in Serbia have been demonstrating for more than ten months against corruption and lack of transparency, demanding early parliamentary elections. The student mobilizations began following the collapse of the concrete canopy at Novi Sad railway station on November 1, 2024, when 16 people were killed.

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