The Digester

Serbia tops Western Balkans in major arms imports

Mar 12th 2026

SIPRI data show Serbia imported more major weapons systems than any other Western Balkan country in the past five years, driven by diverse suppliers, rising defense spending and political motives behind rearmament.

  • SIPRI data show Serbia imported more major weapons systems than any other Western Balkan country in the past five years.
  • Serbia ranks 37th globally in major arms imports and has the region's largest defense budget.
  • Between 2020 and 2024 Serbia's real defense spending was about six times higher than Albania's.
  • Serbia bought major systems from 13 countries, with China as the largest supplier and Russia and Belarus providing major donations.
  • Serbia has signed contracts with France and Israel and President Aleksandar Vucic has announced plans to double military capabilities within 18 months.
  • Other Western Balkan states import far fewer arms and mainly rely on the United States and Turkey, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is investing more in police equipment.

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