Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said on Saturday that Serbia would continue to significantly strengthen its military capabilities, including the acquisition of advanced air defence systems, as tensions escalate in the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Speaking to Informer TV, Vučić said Serbia had secured key import and export permits for military equipment and was bringing in “systems of tremendous power,” without providing further details.
“We have managed to preserve peace for nearly 14 years in difficult circumstances, and we will continue to do so,” Vučić said. “But peace is preserved by strength, not by words.”
He added that although Serbia is a small country and cannot confront major powers or NATO, it aims to build a deterrent strong enough to make any potential attack “very costly, even for the most powerful in the world.”
Vučić said the public would be informed within two to three months about the procurement of what he described as some of the world’s most powerful air defence systems, adding that Serbia “must safeguard its freedom, independence and peace” while reinforcing its defensive capacities.
Middle East escalation and oil prices
Commenting on the latest hostilities between Israel, United States and Iran, Vučić said the conflict would have far-reaching political consequences and mark a shift in global relations.
“I do not think the Third World War has begun,” he said, “but we are witnessing a new era in which international law will matter less.”
He said oil prices were certain to rise if the situation persisted, noting that tankers were already avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route through which around 40% of the world’s oil supply passes.
“If this continues, oil prices could rise from $71–72 per barrel to $95 or even $110,” Vučić said, adding that Serbia buys crude based on Mediterranean benchmarks, meaning domestic fuel prices would reflect global market trends.
Regional tensions and long-term plan
Addressing regional security, Vučić criticised planned military cooperation and exercises involving Croatia, Albania and Kosovo, saying such initiatives were not directed at him personally but at Serbia.
He said maintaining peace would be a central element of the government’s upcoming development strategy, dubbed “Serbia 2030–2035,” which he said would also prioritise infrastructure and education reforms.
Vučić acknowledged “serious mistakes” in the education sector in the past year and said reforms would be necessary to strengthen the system in the coming period.
Health concerns for interior minister
Vučić also said he was concerned about the health of Interior Minister Ivica Dačić, who has been hospitalised since Wednesday. He said Dačić remained intubated but that the need for assisted ventilation had decreased, expressing hope for his recovery.
Doctors have not issued a long-term prognosis, Vučić said.
The Serbian presidency did not immediately provide additional details on the planned military procurements or comment further on the Middle East developments.