EU Candidate or Authoritarian Pawn? Serbia’s Military Pivot

The FK-3 air defence system is more than a military upgrade—it’s a symbol of Serbia’s growing alignment with China and Russia against Western norms.

As Serbia unveils Chinese FK-3 missiles, its embrace of authoritarian regimes tightens, fuelling regional instability and sparking questions about Europe’s response to Belgrade’s geopolitical provocations.

Earlier this year, Serbia has officially unveiled its newly operational FK-3 air defence missile system, acquired from China in 2020¹, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise its military capabilities and deepen its strategic relationship with Beijing. The announcement underscores Serbia’s commitment to bolstering national security and highlights its evolving role in a complex geopolitical landscape.

The Serbian Ministry of Defence emphasised the system’s advanced features, describing it as a crucial enhancement to the nation’s airspace protection capabilities.

Photo 1: The FK-3 surface-to-air missile system launcher in a ready-to-deploy position. (Credit: Serbia's Ministry of Defence press office) Photo 2: Command and control vehicles of the FK-3 air defense system in position, highlighting advanced mobility and operational readiness. (Credit: Serbia's Ministry of Defence press office) Photo 3: A radar unit of the FK-3 air defense system deployed, showcasing its surveillance and target acquisition capabilities. (Credit: Serbia's Ministry of Defence press office)

“By arming the Air Force and Air Defence with the new FK-3 air defence missile system, the airspace control and protection system has been significantly improved in the Republic of Serbia,” the mini…