The recent opening of the SDS Technologies drone factory, along with the Serbian president’s announcement of even more factories to be open in cooperation with Israeli partners, are only the latest arms-related developments in the Balkans involving Israel through the company Elbit Systems.
In the last few years, almost every Balkan country has signed some kind of contract with Elbit Systems. From upgrading existing weaponry, to controlling pilot training, to launching production with partner companies, – Israel is strengthening its economic influence and the military dependence of Balkan states. By relocating part of its arms production, Israel is expanding the war zone and putting the entire Balkans at risk.
Some of the contracts:
SERBIA
- A $1.6 billion contract for the purchase of Hermes 900 UAVs and the PULS rocket system;
- Opening of a drone factory and announcement of more plants with the state-owned Yugoimport SDPR, of unknown value and contract;
ALBANIA
- Purchase of ATMOS howitzers and SPEAR mortars;
- Opening of an aviation academy in cooperation between the state-owned company KAYO and Elbit Systems LTD;
- Purchase of Magni-X and Thor tactical drones with an agreement to launch joint production in Albania;
GREECE
- Purchase of PULS systems for $758 million;
- Management of the international pilot training center in Kalamata;
- A $3.5 billion contract for an air defense system called Achilles Shield, based on Iron done;
NORTH MACEDONIA
- Establishing a helicopter pilot training center;
- Modernization of Mi-17/24 helicopters;
- Access to Hermes 450 drones;
BULGARIA
- Modernization of Mi-17/24 helicopters;
- Modernization of T-72 tanks;
Montenegro
- $35 million contract for Elbit Systems’ remote-controlled weapon stations. Cooperation has since expanded to include mortar systems, military training and surveillance technologies.
- $21.7 million for the procurement of mortar systems and training equipment.
These are not just military contracts. Alongside them, Israel is expanding its business through its companies into real estate, shopping malls, energy and agriculture. This expansion of Israel’s influence through trade and investment projects, which are related to vital sectors, Such expansion of Israel’s influence through trade and investment projects, which are related to vital sectors, poses a great danger and a kind of colonization of the Balkans.
The only possible response to this threat is strengthening international solidarity and joint resistance of the Balkan peoples.
One world – One struggle!