Serbia and NATO Hold First Joint Exercise After 1999 Bombing

Serbia and NATO launched their first joint military exercise, involving about 600 troops from four countries over two weeks.

Less than thirty years after NATO planes struck Belgrade, Serbian soldiers trained side by side with alliance troops. The drill took place near Bujanovac in southern Serbia and lasted from Tuesday to May 23. The training ground hosts NATO‑linked infrastructure used for regional peacekeeping missions.

Although Serbia has been part of NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme for nearly two decades, this marks the first exercise conducted directly with the alliance. The programme allows non‑member states to train with NATO forces, and Serbia has regularly used it for smaller drills. It also helps build interoperability among participating countries.

The exercise brought together about 600 troops from Serbia, Italy, Romania and Turkey. Military planners and observers from France, Germany, Italy, Montenegro, Romania, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States also took part. Both sides displayed armoured vehicles and artillery systems during the maneuvers.

Serbia’s Ministry of Defence said the cooperation aims to preserve peace and stability in the region. The activity falls under NATO’s Partnership for Peace framework, underscoring the gradual deepening of practical ties. Officials from both sides highlighted the drill’s focus on disaster response scenarios.

The joint drill signals a notable shift in Serbia’s defence posture while the country maintains its formal policy of military neutrality. Analysts note that the move reflects a pragmatic approach to security rather than a change in allegiance. Public opinion in Serbia remains divided on closer NATO ties.

A NATO official noted the activity was conducted in full respect of that neutrality, reflecting Serbia’s ongoing balancing act between Western and Russian influences. Observers will watch whether this cooperation leads to more frequent joint training or remains a symbolic step. Future drills could expand to include cyber defence and logistics components.