Shield 2022: Serbian Armed Forces show their capabilities and new equipment

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale
Serbian Air Force J-22 Orao aircraft taxi to the runway at Batajnica Air Base, Serbia.

The Serbian Ministry of Defence held a public show at "Colonel Pilot Milenko Pavlović" air force base in Batajnica on April 30, 2022. According to the official press releases, the "Shield 2022" demonstration was organized to show the capabilities of the Serbian armed forces to the general public, as well as to allow Serbian citizens to learn more about recently purchased military equipment. The Shield 2022 involved over 1,000 military personnel and about 60 aircraft and 300 vehicles and personal equipment.

The event was attended by highest representatives of the armed forces and government, including the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Army Aleksandar Vučić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović and Chief of Staff of the Serbian Army General Milan Mojsilović.

The show at Batajnica included both static and dynamic displays. The latter was performed by the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence, together with the 72nd Special Operations Brigade and the 63rd Parachute Brigade.

The dynamic display began with combat reconnaissance, done by BOV KIV and Zastava NTV armoured vehicles. Then Mi-35 attack helicopters were called in to provide close air support for main ground forces.

During the entire display, the army units were supported by Serbian helicopters, including – in addition to the aforementioned Mi-35 – H-145, "Gama" and Mi-17. They allowed the special forces to arrive at the scene, supported their operations and finally provided medical evacuation of injured personnel.

A formation of G-4 Super Galeb and J-22 Orao aircraft performed an assault display, attacking ground targets of the mock enemy. They were supported by MiG-29 aircraft which later also performed a separate demonstration.

The dynamic display was concluded with a parachute jump by members of the 63rd Parachute Brigade. They jumped out of a Gazelle helicopter at an altitude of 1,200 meters holding the flags of the Republic of Serbia and the Serbian Armed Forces.

Visitors to Batajnica also got to see up close all types of military equipment used by the Serbian Armed Forces including the M-84AB1 and T-72MS tanks, B-52 Nora self-propelled howitzers, as well as Lazar-3 and Milos armoured vehicles.

According to the MoD, the public was very attracted to the FK-3 air defense missile system which was recently procured from China. It is the export variant of the newest Chinese medium- to long-range missile system, known domestically as HQ-22 and manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation. It can launch missiles capable of reaching speeds of Mach 6 with a range of up to 150 kilometers. Serbia is the first, and so far the only, European country that acquired the Chinese air defence system.

Among the aircraft on static display were the recently acquired and modernized MiG-29 fighters, the Mi-35, H-145 and Mi-17 helicopters; as well as UAVs – both Chinese-made CH-92A and domestically-developed "Pegasus".

The modernization of the Serbian Armed Forces included the introduction of new Mi-17V helicopters in 2016, H-145M and Mi-35 helicopters in 2019 and CH-92 Unmanned Combat Aerial Veihicles in 2020. In addition, the nation received 10 MiG-29s from Russia and Belarus between 2017 and 2019 which joined the other 4 already in service. The Fulcroms have undergone upgrades to radar, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance systems, and can now employ new air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles and bombs. The J-22 Orao fleet has also been updated with new sensors and weapons. One of the Oraos seen in Batajnica featured a nose modified with a thermal camera and a laser rangefinder, in addition to its new indigenously developed avionics and glass cockpits.

However, this enhancement program may soon evolve further. Serbian Defense Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic recently said they are in talks with the UK and France to purchase 12 Typhoon jets and 12 Rafale jets respectively, which would come second-hand from Royal Air Force and French Air Force inventory. According to the Minister, the new fighters are indispensable as the current combat fleet of the Serbian Air Force will end its operational life within 10-12 years.

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Serbia MiG29 Typhoon Rafale

Written by Matteo Sanzani based on the report-photos by Andrea Avian, Mirco Bonato and Giacomo Schiavi

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