Tirana-Zagreb-Pristina military pact accelerates Serbia's unprecedented militarization

2026-01-30 21:04:38Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Tirana-Zagreb-Pristina military pact accelerates Serbia's unprecedented
Aleksandar Vucic

The latest statements by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić testify to growing tension in the Western Balkans region.

By claiming the existence of a “military alliance” between Tirana, Zagreb, and Pristina, Vučić is using this narrative as a catalyst to justify an intense and unprecedented process of militarization of Serbia.

While reporting on the state of the army for 2025, Vučić expressed "deep" concern about the formation of these alliances in the neighborhood, noting that "Serbia's defense capabilities have increased dramatically to respond to this new reality."

As a direct response to this situation, he announced that "the 75-day mandatory military service is expected to begin in December of this year or March of next year, with the registration process starting in the fall."

This step marks a radical turn in defense policies, aiming to strengthen human capacities and foster a spirit of patriotism that is considered vital to Serbian society. The figures made public are indicative of an open arms race, with Serbia spending around 2.65 percent of GDP on the security system, with over 54 percent of this amount going directly to investments in modern technology and equipment.

The main focus has been on air defense and aviation, purchasing systems that significantly increase firepower. This militarization cannot be seen outside the framework of rapprochement with Russia and the reforms of recent years.

Despite international pressure, Belgrade has maintained supply channels for Russian military equipment, positioning itself as a heavily armed force among NATO countries. Through strategic purchases of drones, missiles and armored vehicles, Serbia is seeking to project power in the region.

While Belgrade claims that these actions are purely defensive to prevent any possible aggression, the rhetoric about neighboring "pacts" and the feverish growth of the military arsenal are increasing insecurity in the Balkans, once again turning the region into a scene of dangerous geopolitical calculations.


Video