POTENTIAL FOR STRONGER COOPERATION BETWEEN SRPSKA'S DEFENSE INDUSTRY AND SERBIAN ARMY

BELGRADE, SEPTEMBER 23 /SRNA/ – The Minister of Economy and Entrepreneurship of Republika Srpska Vojin Mitrović stated that the Partner 2025 International Arms and Military Equipment Fair in Belgrade is an opportunity for companies from Srpska's defense industry to showcase their achievements, as well as to secure new contracts.

Mitrović announced that later today, after 3:00 p.m., he will meet with Serbian Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić to discuss cooperation between Srpska's defense industry enterprises and the Serbian Army.

"Serbia has expressed readiness to resolve, on the one hand, its need for additional capacities through contracts or agreements with companies from Republika Srpska. I am referring primarily to Orao, Kosmos, and Technical Repair Bratunac /TRB/, but also to the Zrak factory," Mitrović told reporters after attending the opening of the 'Partner 2025' Fair in Belgrade.

According to him, companies from Republika Srpska, through their quality, reliability, and adherence to deadlines, are capable of meeting those requirements.

Mitrović noted that talks have also been held with Azerbaijan and other Asian countries that use aircraft engines primarily for Mig-21 and Piper aircraft, and that new contracts can be expected.

"Orao needs to engage both additional personnel and financial resources, which are currently lacking, in order to enhance its operations and focus primarily on the overhaul of engines used by Mig-29 aircraft," Mitrović said.

He added that five companies from Republika Srpska are participating in the Partner 2025 Fair – notably Orao, TRB, Kosmos, and Zrak – all of which are showcasing their achievements.

Mitrović emphasized that TRB offers a wide range of products, from light to heavy combat vehicles, as well as weapons and ammunition, and is already present in markets such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

He pointed out that Orao has a long tradition, is already engaged in maintenance for the Serbian Army as well as for Eastern countries, is capable of reliable overhauls and inspections of engine functionality, and has improved its technology, products, and spare parts.

"This is what enables our defense industry to present itself and deliver quality work," Mitrović stressed.

He added that Kosmos will be working on technology transfer from the Serbian Army for ammunition production.