Serbia denies it will transfer MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine

Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic has denied reports that the Balkan country could transfer its MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine following a deal to buy 12 Rafale fighter jets from France.

"The Minister of Defense in the Cabinet of the Republic of Serbia, Bratislav Gasic, has denied false information reported by some national and regional media, alleging that the contract with Dassault for the purchase of 12 new Rafale aircraft includes a provision for the transfer of Serbian MiG-29 aircraft to France for subsequent transfer to Ukraine," the Serbian Cabinet said in a statement.

"This is yet another lie and outright deception, the sole purpose of which is to cast a shadow over the purchase of 12 brand new fourth-generation Rafale multirole fighters. The MiG-29s that Serbia possesses are Serbian and we will never transfer them to anyone."

A modern MiG-29SM is seen at Batajnica Air Base, near Belgrade, Serbia. Photo: Janes

Minister Gasic said his country owns improved MiG-29 aircraft "thanks to the responsible policy of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic".

"In any case, Serbia will not give up its MiG-29s, they will remain usable for a certain number of years. Moreover, we will continue to purchase modern combat equipment to strengthen the capabilities of the Serbian Armed Forces and protect peace and stability," he continued.

Earlier, on August 29, President Vucic announced that Serbia had signed an agreement to purchase 12 Rafale jets from France for 2.7 billion euros. The contract includes not only the delivery of the aircraft but also the entire package of related services. Mr. Vucic said that this agreement will significantly increase the capabilities of the Serbian army.

Currently, the Serbian Air Force mainly operates the MiG-29B 9-12A and MiG-29UB 9-51A variants. These aircraft have been upgraded to the MiG-29SM version, which features advanced avionics, increased fuel capacity and the ability to accommodate precision-guided weapons.

Meanwhile, the French Rafale is a multi-role fighter that is considered superior to the MiG-29 in many aspects. The Rafale is equipped with a more powerful engine, providing incredible agility and speed. Moreover, it is equipped with superior avionics, integrating the Thales RBE2-AA active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which is superior to the MiG-29's N019 Topaz radar with remarkable detection and tracking performance.

Furthermore, the Rafale has a longer range than the MiG-29, due to its larger fuel capacity and more efficient engines. This feature allows the Rafale to stay airborne for longer periods and cover greater distances, an important advantage for patrol and surveillance missions.

In addition, the Rafale has nuclear strike capability along with air-to-air, air-to-surface and anti-ship missile capabilities.

Minh Duc (According to TASS, Bulgarian Military)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/serbia-bac-tin-se-chuyen-tiem-kich-mig-29-cho-ukraine-204240904111734762.htm