MiGs will remain in Serbia, we will never give them to anyone: Defense minister's urgent reaction

Photo: Ministry of Defense/Jovo Mamula

"This is yet another in a series of notorious lies and fabrications - that there will be a transfer of Serbian MiGs"

Recommended

Minister of Defense Bratislav Gasic has denied the false information reported by some domestic and regional media that the contract with Dassault to buy 12 new Rafale planes allegedly contains a clause about the transfer of Serbian MiG-29s to France - which would then deliver them to Ukraine.

"This is yet another in a series of notorious lies and fabrications that are solely aimed at casting a shadow over the procurement of 12 brand new fourth-generation Rafale multi-purpose combat aircraft. The MiGs that Serbia owns are Serbian and we will never give them to anyone," said Minister Gasic.

He stressed that, thanks to the responsible policy of President Vucic, Serbia has 14 modernized MiG-29 aircraft and recalled that the "effort" of (former chief of staff, now opposition politician Zdravko) Ponos and others like him had devastated our Air Force to such an extent that, a little over ten years ago, there were days when not a single "29-er" was able to take off and protect our airspace.

"Under no circumstances will Serbia give up its MiG-29s, which will still be very much so usable for a number of years. What's more, we will continue with to buy modern combat equipment with the aim of strengthening the capabilities of the Serbian Army and preserving peace and stability," stressed Gasic.

(Telegraf.rs)