Image: ynetnews

Serbia and Israel Launch Joint Venture to Produce 80,000 Combat Drones

14 April, 2026.Business.7 sources

Key Takeaways

Serbia and Israel plan a joint drone-manufacturing venture.
Elbit Systems provides technology; SDPR is Serbia's partner.
Ownership stake disputed: 51% Elbit versus 50-50 in other reports.

Serbia-Israel Drone Venture

Serbia and Israel have agreed to establish a joint venture to produce military drones, with the partnership structured as a 50-50 collaboration.

“Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, answering a journalist’s question on Tuesday about last week’s BIRN/Haaretz investigation on Serbia’s plans to produce drones with the Israeli arms giant Elbit Systems, said that he is proud of the partnership”

Balkan Insight

President Vucic announced the plan, saying we cannot produce drones as Israel can, but I am proud that we will do it together.

Balkan Insight

The project aims to manufacture up to 80,000 drones within roughly two years.

Elbit Systems is expected to hold a 51 percent stake, with Serbia's SDPR controlling the remainder.

Strategic Modernization

The drone venture is part of Serbia's broader effort to modernize its military.

Serbia has already purchased Elbit's PULS artillery systems and Hermes drones for $335 million.

Haaretz

The country has also bought France's Rafale jet fighters and cargo aircraft and helicopters from Airbus.

Controversy and Criticism

The partnership with Elbit Systems comes amid growing international scrutiny.

“Creating new perspectives since 2009 April 14, 2026 at 4:02 pm Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic gives a speech in Belgrade, Serbia on April 01, 2025”