Serbia to start short mandatory military service in March next year, says President Vučić

President Aleksandar Vučić announced that Serbia will reintroduce a short mandatory military service starting in March of next year. The announcement was made in Batajnica, near Belgrade, where Vučić noted that appropriate procedures must be completed before the service begins.

Earlier, the current administration had indicated plans to bring back mandatory military service for men up to 30 years old, with a duration of 75 days. This move marks a significant shift from the current professional army structure.

Serbia's military officially transitioned to a professional force on January 1, 2011, following a parliamentary decision to suspend mandatory service. At that time, regular conscription was replaced by a voluntary system, with the army being staffed by professional soldiers and officers.

The announcement came during a display of military equipment at the "Colonel-Pilot Milenko Pavlović" Military Airport in Batajnica. The event showcased various aircraft, helicopters, and weaponry, including missiles and guided bombs, ahead of a live firing exercise.

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In March of next year, the service of very short regular military service will begin.