29.04.2022.
Minister Stefanović on Demonstration “SHIELD 2022”: The citizens will see how protected Serbia is
This evening, appearing in the Evening news of the Radio Television of Serbia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović PhD, commenting on tomorrow’s demonstration of capabilities of the Serbian Armed Forces “SHIELD 2022” stated that our citizens can be at peace and calm because the Serbian Armed Forces keep them safe. The minister extended invitation to citizens to come to Batajnica airfield the next day, between 8.30 and 15.00, and enjoy with their armed forces.
- Owing to huge investments and support of President Vučić provided in the previous period, we have managed to raise the capacities of our armed forces, enhance their capabilities to the highest level. It is important to show, not only what we have had so far, just one, two or three pieces. Having in mind that we have started a serial production of those assets, the citizens will be able to see the state-of-the-art systems in the Air Force and Air Defence, and everything that we have made for the Army. The citizens will be able to see 20 “Pasars”, our “Lazars” and “Milošs” – at least 20 pieces of each, and they will see “Small Milošs“, a battalion of our howitzers „Nora“, and everything that we have developed. Expect something that is at least two times greater in scope compared to the great demonstration held last year at “Ušće”, when a huge number of systems was presented – Stefanović said.
He also states that the citizens will have an opportunity to see the state-of-the-art air defence systems.
- I know that everybody is looking forward to it, and they will see their interaction in the field – he says. Stefanović noted that because of the reduced space, the demonstration will not be exactly the same as it would be in tactical conditions, but he was sure that the visitors will be able to observe it all very well.
- They will have an opportunity to enjoy with their armed forces, and it will be a nice day for all of us – the minister of defence said. He noted that the entrance to Batajnica Airfield will be open from 8.30 to 15.00, and that dynamic segment of the programme will last from 11.00 to 12.00 – which is going to be the most attractive demonstration.
Answering the journalist’s question about the interest of the young in the profession of a military pilot, Stefanović explained that commercial conditions dictated the prices.
- After several years, we have recorded an increase in the number of the young people interested in becoming military pilots, who have applied for the Academy. Seventy-three young people have applied for only 12 slots. What has brought this increase about? We have worked for many years to modernise MiG-29s, which are entirely different from those that we used to have, and, inside, it is a completely different aeroplane, and its weapons are different – Stefanović explained.
- We have new Airbus’s helicopters, H-145, armed with domestic weapons, and we have Mi-35, attack helicopters, as well as Mi-17, aircraft apart from “Lasta”, “Galeb” and “Eagle”. Tomorrow, we will present for the first time fully armed “Pegasus” – unmanned aerial vehicles which we have produced in cooperation with partners from China, besides CH-92 that we bought off-the-shelf – Stefanović announced.
Speaking about the fist presentation of FK-3 system, the minister stated that it represents an air defence umbrella for the territory of Serbia. He explains that it is one battalion procured with four batteries, and each system has the range of some 100km in length and 27km in altitude.
- When you position four batteries, they can cover the majority of the territory of Serbia, of course together with the “Pantsirs” which are the state-of-the-art middle range system. The “Pantsir” is used to protect the battery. When you place FK-3, a “Pantsir” goes with it to protect it. You will also see “Pasars” systems, and what that modernised assets look like when they are used in the field. We will install 7km range “Mistral” missiles on that asset – Stefanović announced. According to him, tomorrow, the citizens will see that Serbia is much better protected than it used to be 30 or 40 years ago.
- We have a serious asset capable of engaging 6 targets with 12 missiles. This only confirms how serious progress Serbia has made in protecting it sky – Stefanović concluded.
