Serbia stages massive military parade, described as 'country's biggest display of army strength'

Serbia staged a large-scale military parade in Belgrade on Saturday, showcasing tanks, missile systems, and fighter jets, in a display of the Western Balkan nation's multi-pronged foreign policy balancing EU aspirations with arms deals spanning France, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Israel and Russia.

Ten thousand military troops marched through the New Belgrade neighbourhood of the Serbian capital, as crowds waved national flags and aircraft flew overhead in what the government said was a celebration of the Day of Serb Unity, Freedom and the National Flag.

The machinery showcased ranged from domestically produced weapons to those supplied internationally, unveiling drones from Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

The parade also showcased tanks purchased by Russia and anti-aircraft systems from China, reflecting Belgrade's cordial relations with Moscow and Beijing.

At the same time, President Aleksandar Vučić and the SNS-led government have repeatedly stated that they want Serbia to join the European Union. 

Two significant pieces of equipment included a versatile Israeli-made rocket artillery platform, which is capable of launching a range of munitions with varying payloads and ranges up to 300 kilometres.

Another was the French Air Force's Rafale fighter jets, a multi-purpose aircraft of which Serbia ordered 12.

Officials described the event as Serbia's biggest display of army strength yet, and Vučić said the parade emphasised the country's ability to defend its independence and sovereignty, and act as a deterrent against foreign aggressors.

Opposition leaders, on the other hand, say the parade was less about showcasing the strength of the country's military, but more about bolstering Vučić's rule.

Several university students and other opposition supporters, who have staged 10 months of anti-corruption protests, were prevented by riot police from joining as spectators.