Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s statement on plans to launch serial production of “long-range” ballistic missiles highlights a profound transformation of Serbia’s defence industry. Belgrade’s drive for greater autonomy is taking shape through trilateral cooperation combining Balkan ambitions, Chinese technologies and Central Asian raw materials.

Serbia is not developing its missile arsenal from scratch. For years, it has relied on technology transfers from Beijing. Cooperation with the Chinese defence corporation CASIC has already produced practical results.

1. CM-400AKG aeroballistic missiles. Chinese high-speed missiles with speeds of Mach 4.5–5.5 and a range of up to 240 km have recently been observed on Serbian MiG-29 fighter jets. The integration of sophisticated Chinese weapons with Soviet-designed aircraft was carried out with the direct involvement of Chinese engineers.
2. Ballistic missile ambitions: Šumadija / Jerina-1. Serbia’s Jerina-1 project, a 400-mm precision-guided missile with a range of up to 285 km, which Belgrade classifies as a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), is critically dependent on Chinese inertial and satellite navigation systems (INS/BeiDou).
3. Chinese air defence systems. Instead of the Russian systems previously expected, Serbia has deployed Chinese FK-3 and HQ-17AE surface-to-air missile systems, making China its main military-technical partner.

Uzbekistan’s role is primarily linked to raw materials for explosives and selected minerals.

The development and serial production of engines for projects such as Jerina-1 and multiple-launch rocket systems require substantial quantities of specialised chemical raw materials. A Eurasian shortage of explosives has pushed Belgrade to seek partners in Central Asia, with Uzbekistan emerging as a key link.

1. Nitrocellulose and propellant. Uzbekistan is one of the world’s major producers of cotton cellulose, a basic component in the production of nitrocellulose, solid rocket propellants and gunpowder.
2. Rare metals. Tungsten and molybdenum are required for rocket-engine nozzles and heat-resistant components, and Uzbekistan has significant deposits of both.
3. A neutral logistics hub. Cooperation with Tashkent, which is also closely linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, allows Serbia to procure raw materials and dual-use components with less direct pressure and monitoring from the EU and NATO.

A sustainable model is emerging: China provides technical documentation, components and microelectronics; Uzbekistan supplies chemical and metallurgical raw materials; and Serbia serves as the final platform for the assembly and integration of the weapons.

The emerging Serbia-Uzbekistan-China missile triangle could strengthen Belgrade’s military-industrial capabilities and create new security risks for the Balkans and Europe.