16.04.2021.

Military Technical Institute gets 70 new employees

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović, PhD, handed over full-time employment contracts to 70 new employees today. Most of the newly employed young people are researchers who will be working at the Military Technical Institute. On this occasion, Stefanović thanked them for having chosen to work for their country and the defence system.

He expressed satisfaction with the fact that young, knowledgeable people were coming to the Military Technical Institute.

- You have shown, with your knowledge, dedication and diligence that you deserve to be part of the Ministry of Defence’s big family. It is a great honour to work for one’s country, armed forces and Ministry of Defence. Working at the Military Technical Institute is an opportunity for you to help your country and acquire new knowledge, and there are few such places in this part of the world where such knowledge can be acquired - said Stefanović.

Welcoming them to the Ministry of Defence, the minister pointed out that people were one of the main things that the Military Technical Institute lacked, and added that this institution, with its 650 employees had once been the pillar of the entire armed forces’ development.

- We want our military to always rely on its own expertise, on our weapons, on our upgrades, on our ability to develop our own drones. It is important that we can develop our own tank armour, our rocket fuel, new vehicles, new artillery ammunition and everything else that the MTI works on every day - Stefanović pointed out.

The minister also thanked all employees of the MTI, who, despite all the shortcomings, problems, and lack of money, continued to produce top results. According to the minister, steps have been taken to give additional financial incentives to researchers, in addition to the salary increase for all members of the defence system.

- I decided to introduce a 20 percent bonus for employees who show diligence in their work and desire to make progress. In addition to that, as of June, all scientists and researchers will have an additional 25 percent salary increase, for which we have provided money - announced Minister Stefanović, explaining that this was the way to show employees that knowledge and expertise were appreciated.

In the end, he thanked the new employees once again for choosing to come and work for this eminent institution.

- I want to thank you for deciding to work for your country. And of course, a huge thank you to all of you who already work for this institution. As a minister, I will try to improve this centre’s status and technical capacities - concluded Minister Stefanović.

Welcoming the new colleagues, the director of the Military Technical Institute, Colonel Bojan Pavković, PhD, pointed out that this was a very important day for the MTI, adding that 52 out of 70 new colleagues would be working in research sectors and be directly involved in the development of weapons and military equipment, while others would be working in support sectors. According to him, that makes as much as 18 percent of the Military Technical Institute’s workforce. Colonel Pavković announced that the MTI would soon have new job openings and scholarship cycles for young researchers.

Anja Gavrilović and Ivan Marić are among those who received employment contracts today. They both graduated from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Belgrade, majoring in Weapons Systems.

- I will be working in the MTI’s rocket sector, in the Department of Aerodynamics. Given the very narrow area of expertise, I think this is a really great opportunity for me to acquire knowledge and make progress. I am grateful for this job - said Anja Gavrilović.

Ivan Marić points out that after graduating from the faculty, he worked for the Military Technical Institute under a temporary employment contract, and says he is grateful for getting permanent employment in this institution.

- Since I love science and research, this job will help me improve my knowledge and continue studying this field, as well as developing myself. Permanent employment means everything to me, especially in these times. A regular salary is very important for me, especially since I have the opportunity to do something I love and I don't have to do a job that doesn't suit me - said Ivan Marić.

After the ceremony, Minister Stefanović visited the research facilities in the Experimental Aerodynamics and Prototypes Sector, where he had the opportunity to see the T-38 wind tunnel.