Serbian Army Chief Rejects Criticism of Military Parade in Belgrade

2025-09-14 15:12:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Army, Milan Mojsilovi?, regarding the upcoming military parade in Belgrade, said that the Serbian army does not want to be involved in politics and its games.

He rejected criticism that the military parade intimidates citizens and threatens neighbors, calling this "manipulation."

"We should all unite around the idea that what will be shown next Saturday belongs to the state, to the pride of all. Those who do not like the army – of course there are those – should be convinced that they can sleep peacefully. As long as we have such an army, Serbia is safe," he told TV Prva on September 14.

The military parade will take place on September 20 in Belgrade on the Day of Unity, Freedom and the Serbian Flag, which is celebrated jointly by Serbia and the entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska.

A parade of modern combat vehicles and ships on the Danube River, aircraft flights and a demonstration of some of the capabilities of Serbian army units have been announced.

Speaking about criticism of the parade, Mojsilovi? said he is convinced that some want to score political points with this issue and added that the Serbian military will compensate for any damage if it occurs.

He stressed that "the parade will have a message for everyone - joy and happiness for friends and allies and perhaps anger and nervousness for others", after it is seen, according to him, that the Serbian army is modern, well-equipped and prepared.

Mojsilovi? vowed that the Serbian army would continue to be strengthened.

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Serbia is the Western Balkan country that has spent the most on the military over the last five years.

In 2024, Serbia allocated 2.2 billion US dollars to the military, which accounts for 2.6 percent of gross domestic product.

Speaking about the return of compulsory military service, Mojsilovi? said that this has not been abandoned, but added that intensive preparations are underway. According to him, significant funds have been invested in renovating barracks and purchasing equipment.

He added that the next step will be "adjusting the legal field to what we want, 75 days of military service," and it appears that the Serbian Parliament will adopt a law on this issue.

Authorities in Serbia have announced in 2024 that military service will be reinstated this year, which was abolished on January 1, 2011./ REL