Serbian AF speculations

Not sure if anybody is interested (if not mods can delete this) but this morning all over Media in Serbia a leaked info from MoD has made headlines. They suggest that SrAF is planing to acquire 10-12 new aircraft by the 2011, but also that they are offering some sort of partnership to “neighbours” with no practical AFs about joint Airspace control over those countries.

First thing that came to my mind was Macedonia and Montenegro, as only probable countries.. but then I just read that few Croatian papers are running with the story about Serbia offering to patrol Croatian sky, because as the papers put it CroAF is in serious risk of loosing that ability by 2013. Anyway personally i just don’t see that happening, nationalists on both sides (and unfortunately there are plenty in both countries) would go bananas.

That beside point, the interesting part i found was that every single report is making reference to “new migs”, and to upcoming visit by Medvedev as one of the main reasons to negotiate deal. Now considering fact that Serbia just now took two major loans from Russia, and is negotiating with IMF about economic package.. i cant see how they can afford any significant expenditures. However i can also see how it would suit Russian interest to be seen as propping up Serbia as curently there is bit of a debate amongst population whether its better to abandon traditional ties and “go west” (pun intended 🙂 ) or remain close to traditional ally. So maybe if Russian can to right deal it could provide SrAF with some new (and most importantly affordable) units, while at the same time helping MiG who are in desperate need of any sale.

However lets for a moment assume that there is some credibility in these reports and do what this forum does best ,and speculate 😀

If it is “New Migs” , which would make some sence considering we have been operating Fulcrums longer than any other non RuAF.. my bet is on some second hand or refurbished SMTs.. say those Algerian Rejects.. for simple reason that they are actually decently capable Machines which do not feature in any future planes of RuAF ..hence they are there and could be procured at reasonable prices compared to say M/M2s or even MiG35s.. even if having another foreign customer using 35 would do it a world of good in MMRCA competition, it would be very cost prohibitive and i cant see them being ready by 2011.