On December 30, 2024, Serbia’s Ministry of Defense released a statement on its official website announcing that the deployment of the new FK-3 air defense missile system has significantly enhanced the country’s airspace control and protection capabilities. The statement was accompanied by photos showing military personnel monitoring the FK-3 system.
The statement explained that the system includes a command vehicle, missile launchers, radar, and logistics support vehicles, making it a versatile and comprehensive air defense solution. High-resolution images of the FK-3 from various angles, including its inclined launch mode, were also provided.
Army Captain Manić, the commander of the FK-3 missile battery, described the FK-3 as a milestone in Serbia’s air defense capabilities. He highlighted its advanced anti-jamming systems and its ability to prevent tracking radar destruction. The FK-3 system boasts exceptional mobility and spatial efficiency, placing it at the forefront of the new generation of air defense systems. It also has powerful strike capabilities, capable of launching up to 12 missiles simultaneously to target six aerial threats.
The system can engage aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and air-to-ground missiles traveling at speeds of up to 1,000 meters per second. With a maximum range of 100 kilometers and an altitude of up to 27 kilometers, the FK-3 is primarily used to protect government buildings, commercial facilities, and Serbia’s airspace sovereignty against aerial reconnaissance and attacks.
Captain Manić further noted that the FK-3 missile team underwent highly complex training in China. Despite numerous challenges, all team members successfully completed the training and are now capable of independently operating and maintaining the missile system.
According to India’s Eurasian Times on Thursday (January 2), Serbia placed an order for the Chinese-made FK-3 missile system in 2019, and it was delivered by China in 2022 using Y-20 transport aircraft. This made Serbia the first European country to deploy the FK-3 missile system.
Foreign Policy magazine reported in 2022 that this marked the first order for the FK-3 missile system from Europe. In 2020, China also sold CH-92A drones to Serbia, representing China’s first export of military aviation equipment to Europe.
