Talks between Athens and Belgrade could lead to the sale of 12 Mirage 2000-5s, boosting Serbia’s air capabilities.
Serbia is in talks with Greece to acquire twelve Mirage 2000-5s, comprising ten single-seat Mirage 2000-5EGs and two two-seat Mirage 2000-5BGs. These French-built fighters would enable the Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo i Protivvazduhoplovna Odbrana Vojske Srbije (Serbian Air Force and Air Defence) to modernise its fleet and replace its old Mikoyan MiG-29SM Fulcrum aircraft. The Mirage 2000-5s would serve as transitional fighters before a possible acquisition of the Dassault Aviation Rafale F4.
The negotiations, which began in May 2024, have reportedly been approved by Paris. The deal would give Serbia an opportunity to familiarise itself with French aeronautical technology, which is more advanced than the Russian aircraft it currently uses. For Greece, the sale is part of its strategy to modernise its own fleet, in particular by integrating the Rafale F4.
This acquisition also has diplomatic implications, as Serbia and Greece are neighbouring countries in the Balkans, which facilitates negotiations. Other players, such as Taiwan and the American company Draken International, are also interested in Greek Mirage 2000-5s, but geographical proximity could favour Serbia.
Serbia’s quest for air modernisation
Air force modernisation is a crucial issue for Serbia, which is seeking to improve its defence capability and replace its ageing aircraft. At present, the Serbian fleet consists mainly of Mikoyan MiG-29SM Fulcrum, Russian-designed aircraft dating from the Soviet era. Although these aircraft have been updated, they no longer meet modern technological requirements.
The acquisition of twelve Mirage 2000-5s represents an opportunity for Serbia to make up for this technological shortfall. The Mirage 2000-5 are equipped with advanced systems, such as the RDY radar and the ability to carry MICA air-to-air missiles, offering significant air superiority. These delta-wing, single-engine aircraft can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 (around 2,336 km/h) and operate at altitudes of over 15,000 metres.
By integrating these aircraft, Serbia would benefit not only from an immediate improvement in its capabilities, but also from a strategic transition to Western equipment. This would enable Serbian pilots and technicians to familiarise themselves with NATO standards and technologies, thus facilitating a possible future acquisition of the Dassault Aviation Rafale F4.
This move is part of Serbia’s wider desire to diversify its military partnerships and reduce its dependence on Russia. By adopting French fighter jets, Serbia is sending out a strong signal about its strategic direction and its desire to integrate more closely with Western defence standards.
Negotiations between Athens and Belgrade
Discussions between Greece and Serbia began in May 2024, according to Greek and Serbian media sources. These negotiations concern the sale of ten Mirage 2000-5EG single-seaters and two Mirage 2000-5BG two-seaters. These aircraft are currently in service with the Greek air force and are renowned for their reliability and performance.
France, as the manufacturer, must give its agreement to any resale of French-made military equipment. According to the information available, Paris has given its approval, provided that this transaction does not compromise the ongoing negotiations concerning the Rafale F4. France welcomes the sale, which would strengthen its influence in Serbia and pave the way for future contracts.
On the Greek side, the sale of Mirage 2000-5s is part of a strategy to modernise its air fleet. Greece recently invested in the acquisition of the more technologically advanced Rafale F4s. By selling its Mirage 2000-5s to Serbia, Athens could finance part of this modernisation while strengthening its ties with a neighbouring country.
The negotiations include financial, technical and logistical aspects. The amount of the transaction has not been officially disclosed, but it would include not only the aircraft, but also spare parts, armament and the training of Serbian personnel. This comprehensive approach would ensure the effective integration of the aircraft into the Serbian fleet.
Technical advantages of the Mirage 2000-5 for Serbia
The integration of the Mirage 2000-5 would offer Serbia several technical advantages. These aircraft are equipped with the RDY radar, capable of tracking several targets simultaneously and engaging long-range threats. The MICA missiles they carry are versatile, with infrared- and electromagnetic-guided versions offering greater tactical flexibility.
The aerodynamic performance of the Mirage 2000-5, thanks to its delta wing, offers excellent manoeuvrability, essential in close air combat. In addition, their ability to operate at high altitude and speed makes them effective for air defence and interception missions.
For the Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo i Protivvazduhoplovna Odbrana Vojske Srbije, these technical capabilities would mean a significant improvement in its defensive posture. Serbian pilots would have the opportunity to train on modern weapons systems aligned with Western standards.
This experience would be invaluable with a view to a possible future acquisition of the Rafale F4, a higher-generation fighter aircraft. Familiarisation with French technologies would facilitate the technological transition and reduce the costs and time involved in training and integrating new systems.
Geopolitical and regional implications
The possible sale of Mirage 2000-5s to Serbia has implications beyond the military sphere. Relations between Greece and Serbia are historically good, with strong cultural and religious ties. This transaction would strengthen these ties and could pave the way for increased cooperation in other areas.
However, the acquisition could give rise to regional concerns. Serbia’s neighbours, notably Croatia and Kosovo, could perceive this modernisation as a strategic imbalance. Croatia has recently modernised its own fleet by acquiring second-hand Rafale F3-Rs, which is contributing to a regional arms race.
Russia, traditionally close to Serbia, could also react to this rapprochement with NATO countries. The sale of Western military equipment to Serbia could be interpreted as Belgrade’s desire to distance itself from Russian influence.
In addition, the deal could affect Greece’s relations with other countries interested in Mirage 2000-5s, such as Taiwan. By selling the aircraft to Serbia rather than Taiwan, Greece avoids compromising its relations with China, which regards Taiwan as a rebel province.
Other players interested in Greek Mirage 2000-5s
In addition to Serbia, other players have expressed an interest in the Greek Mirage 2000-5. Taiwan, which already operates a fleet of Mirage 2000-5s, could have integrated these aircraft without requiring major modifications. However, diplomatic considerations and geographical distance make this option less favourable for Greece.
The American company Draken International, which specialises in training services for the air force, is also in the running. The company uses combat aircraft to simulate threats during military exercises. Acquiring Mirage 2000-5s would strengthen its ability to provide realistic services to the US armed forces.
However, Greece may favour Serbia because of its geographical proximity and the strategic advantages of strengthening ties with a neighbouring country. In addition, constraints linked to the export of military equipment to certain countries, for political or security reasons, may influence the final decision.
Future prospects and challenges
Completion of this transaction will depend on a number of factors, including financial agreements, technical conditions and political approval. If successful, Serbia would take a significant step towards modernising its air force and adopting Western technologies.
For Greece, the sale of Mirage 2000-5s would reallocate resources to the acquisition and maintenance of its new Rafale F4s, consolidating its strategic position in the eastern Mediterranean. In addition, by strengthening Serbia, Greece would be able to count on a regional ally in a complex geopolitical area.
The deal could also have a knock-on effect on other countries in the region, encouraging greater modernisation of their military forces. Western defence industries could find new opportunities, while regional strategic balances could be redefined.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.