Bećirović: The best response to arming of Serbia and Croatia is strategic modernization of BiH Armed Forces and NATO

Regarding the intensified activities of the governments of neighboring countries in mass production and modernization of the military arsenal of the armed forces of these states, candidate for the BiH Presidency member Denis Bećirović, called on the competent authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to seriously approach the issue of strategic modernization of the armament of the BiH Armed Forces, in order for our country to fulfill the conditions for joining NATO as soon as possible.

“The Dayton Peace Agreement precisely stipulated that countries in the region will adhere to armament quotas, be subject to arms control, and avoid any arms race. The later Agreement on Sub-regional Arms Control defined a set of protocols on information exchange and reduction and inspection of armaments. It is evident that neighboring countries are not respecting these provisions of the Agreement, especially those concerning the restraint from military exercises in sensitive areas. Therefore, as well as for a number of other reasons, as a future member of the BiH Presidency, I will initiate systemic measures for the modernization and strengthening of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian army,” stated Bećirović.

“For years, I have been warning that Croatia and Serbia are anti-Daytonically purchasing modern aircraft, helicopters, artillery, drones, missile systems, and infantry weapons. While neighbors are engaged in an arms race, the BiH Armed Forces are literally decaying and struggling with outdated armaments and equipment that are not even being repaired. We see news about our helicopters crashing due to weather conditions. The question is how many are even operational, and those that are operational are outdated. The BiH Armed Forces are stagnating year after year, their combat readiness is declining, and the execution of tasks defined by laws and other acts is questionable. Not only is Bosnia and Herzegovina not approaching the demanding NATO standards, but in recent years it has been stagnating significantly. We must put an end to such a policy on October 7th,” emphasized Bećirović.

He stated that as a member of the BiH Presidency, he will undertake all measures to ensure that the Armed Forces are systematically equipped with more modern armaments and equipment, as they deserve.

"I will also initiate equipment programs, military aid programs, and cooperation with friendly countries, which Bosnia and Herzegovina certainly has," concluded Bećirović.