Serbia has confirmed the purchase of Chinese CM-400AKG air-to-surface ballistic missiles for its air force, marking the first time a European country will operate this missile system, according to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
The announcement came days after images of the missiles mounted on a Serbian MiG-29 fighter jet were leaked online. President Vucic said the air force has modified its Soviet-era MiG-29 jets to deploy the CM-400AKG effectively. “We have a significant number of these missiles, and more will follow,” Vucic stated in a live broadcast on state television RTS.
The CM-400AKG, built by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), is a supersonic missile capable of carrying either a 150 kg blast warhead or a 200 kg penetrator. Its range extends up to 400 km (248 miles). The weapon was first used in combat during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict when Pakistan targeted an Indian S-400 air defense system.
Serbia’s decision has drawn criticism from Croatia, an EU and NATO member. Officials in Zagreb described the acquisition as a threat to regional stability and a potential trigger for an arms race in the Balkans.
President Vucic declined to disclose the purchase cost but mentioned that Serbia received a “slight discount” on the deal. He emphasized that the move is part of Serbia’s broader effort to strengthen its defense capabilities while maintaining balanced relations with NATO, the European Union, Russia, and China.
This purchase is part of Serbia’s ongoing military modernization. Recently, the country acquired the FK-3 surface-to-air defense system, CH-92A combat drones from China, and 12 Rafale fighter jets from France. Additional purchases include helicopters and cargo planes from Airbus. Serbia has allocated around 2.6% of its GDP for defense spending in 2026.
Experts say Serbia’s strategy reflects a delicate balancing act between its NATO and EU aspirations and its historical, political, and economic ties with Russia and China.
