Serbian President Vucic Says Conscription Will Be Reinstated in March 2027

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic Sunday said that mandatory military service would be reintroduced in March 2027. He noted that the training of the first group of conscripts "will foster greater responsibility and maturity among young people," Tanjug reported. Vucic made the announcement during a visit to the Batajnica Air Base, near Belgrade, where a range of military equipment and weapons was showcased.

Earlier this year, the Serbian head of State said that conscription would be reinstated either in December 2026 or March 2027 and would last 75 days. In order for this to happen, Serbia's Parliament must adopt the relevant legislation.

In September 2024, the Cabinet approved the reintroduction of mandatory military service, reducing its duration to 75 days from the previous one-year term.

Sunday's presentation at the Batajnica Air Base included a modernized Orao M1A aircraft, domestically developed VRVZ-200 air-to-surface guided missiles, the Serbian military's A31 anti-radiation missiles, the AGM-65 Maverick precision-guided missile, and the Mi-35M combat helicopter from the 714th Anti-Tank Helicopter Squadron, along with its associated weapons systems.

Also on display was the Chinese-made CM-400 quasi-ballistic missile. Vucic said that Serbia would purchase additional missiles of this type. He noted that the Serbian Armed Forces possess Chinese, Russian, and French missiles, adding that their stockpile will continue to grow.

The exhibition also featured the Chinese-made LS-6 medium-range guided bomb, designed to destroy large enemy fortifications, airfields, and vehicle convoys.

Among those attending the military equipment presentation were Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, Republika Srpska National Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandic, and Milorad Dodik, leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats in Republika Srpska.