Sources from Serbian industrial complex have revealed, that Serbian technicians are currently undergoing training, focused on MiG-29´s servicing in LIPETSK, RUSSIA. The delivery of six MiG-29´s, which was signed last year, is scheduled to be executed in summer of 2017. Meanwhile, Serbian MoD is looking for most economical means of delivery of acquired MiG-29´s. However, some problems, connected with this contract still remain. For example, there is limited number of ground personnel for MiG-29´s. They are sufficient only to support four MiG-29´s, which are currently (one of which is awaiting overhaul) in service with Serbian air forces. Now, after delivery of six refurbished MiG-29´s from Russia, they will need to train more personnel to service and maintain the fleet of ten MiG-29´s.

Currently, Serbia is struggling to support two MiG-29´s simultaneously, for air defence´s quick reaction alert and training of MiG-29´s pilots. And with only three airworthy MiG-29´s, the task becomes increasingly difficult. Further diffuculties are present in the modernisation process of „Momo Stanojlovich overhaul facility“ which is soon scheduled to perform overhaul of Serbian MiG-29´s, in coordination with Russia, and also to perform 2^nd level overhaul of Airbus H-145M helicopters (the helicopters should be delivered in 2018), and also overhaul of six Gazelle and Mi-17 helicopters. Serbian ministry of defence plans to modernize the overhaul facility and turn it to regional centre for Gazelle, H-145M и Мi-17 overhaul and maintenance. Serbia also has long-term plans with revival of its Mi-17 helicopter fleet, however current budget for 2017 doesn´t account for those plans. It is expected, that contract for acquisition of four more Mi-17V-5 helicopters will be signed in 2018 or 2019.

Meanwhile, according to information from the abovementioned source, the possibility for acquisition of eight additional MiG-29´s from BELARUS is currently almost out of question and is not considered as a priority for Serbian air force. Such contract can be negotiated after 2018. It was revealed, that Serbian MiG-29 pilots will take part in BARS-2017 exercise.