April 6 (SeeNews) - Serbia is considering a purchase of 12 new Rafale multipurpose fighter jets developed by French manufacturer Dassault Aviation, French media reported.
Initially, Serbia and Dassault Aviation discussed the purchase of six aircraft but subsequently the number was increased to 12, La Tribune weekly reported on Tuesday, quoting sources familiar with the matter.
The reelection of Serbia's incumbent president Aleksandar Vucic last Sunday is likely to facilitate the process, La Tribune added.
After Croatia bought from France 12 used Rafale jets in November 2021, Vucic hinted that Serbia could also decide to acquire such jets.
"The Rafale is a remarkable plane, I would like if we could buy new ones," Vucic said in an interview with private Serbian broadcaster TV Prva in December.
The potential acquisition of Rafale jets would allow Serbia to modernize its Air Force fleet consisting of Soviet-made MiG-21 and MiG-29 fighters as well as 30 old Yugoslav combat aircraft Soko J-22 Orao and Soko G-4 Super Galeb, La Tribune noted.