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Serbia plans investment to strengthen armed forces: PM

Xinhua, June 29, 2016 Adjust font size:

Serbia plans to make investments so as to strengthen its armed forces with new equipment and higher salaries, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday.

Vucic made the statement at the Belgrade Airport at a handover ceremony of two Mi-17 helicopters purchased from Russia.

Vucic said that besides the two helicopters bought at a price of 25 million euros (27.7 million U.S. dollars)in total, Serbia is currently negotiating with Russia to purchase several MiG-29 aircrafts.

"We have to pay attention to the security of our country, although we lead a peaceful policy," Vucic said, adding, "we live and work like there will be no war, but we try to maintain our capacities and improve them every day."

According to him, Serbia also plans to acquire three-dimensional radars, improve air defense system with missiles of medium range. In addition, since next year Serbia will use two of its own products -- combat vehicle "Lazar 3" and "Nora" artillery system and supply 1,500 of its soldiers with new modern equipment of high quality.

Vucic also announced that salaries of the Serbian armed forces will be increased by the end of the year, but did not specify the amount.

The two Mi-17V5 transport helicopters that Serbia purchased for its fleet are first ones after 36 years. Only one such helicopter is currently in operation. Endit