Serbia and Israel have struck a deal for joint drone production. Vučić presented the project as a "50-50" model and described the future drones as "among the best in the region, exceptionally effective against armored targets."

But investigative reporting by BIRN and Haaretz tells a different story: the actual ownership structure shows that Israel's Elbit Systems holds 51 percent, with Serbia at 49. The "50-50" model apparently only applies at press conferences.

The partnership involves Serbia's state-owned Jugoimport-SDPR and the controversial Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems. Critics are already flagging debates that go beyond economics - questions about Serbia's geopolitical positioning and the implications of defense cooperation with Israel at a time of international division.

Serbia continues buying weapons from Israel, France, China, and other partners. The arms buildup continues while the region watches every new tank and drone with a mix of interest and concern. Is this modernization or preparation? Depends who you ask.