Although the recent military exercise with Russia during which the modern PVO S-400 rocket system was brought to Belgrade has attracted much attention in the domestic and international public, figures indicate that Serbia's army performs three times more joint exercises with NATO and its partner countries than with Russia.

According to the Balkan Security Network (www.balkansec.net), Serbia conducted 17 military exercises together with other countries – four with Russia and 13 with NATO partners.

“Serbia has developed cooperation with NATO in the field of military reform, prevention of corruption in the defence system, military education, destruction and recycling of obsolete ammunition as well as the civilian Science for Peace programme … For several years, the military has been participating in the Operational Capabilities Concept and has units that are equipped and trained in accordance with NATO standards. Also, Serbian Armed Forces officers participate in the work of the NATO command in Naples under this concept,” it said.

Serbia's military delegation in Brussels maintains daily communication with NATO representatives, particularly from those states that have not recognised Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence.

According to the NATO headquarters, Serbia’s military participated together with NATO experts in training Iraqi military medical personnel.

Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services (SMATSA) cooperates with one of NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centres (CAOC) because it is in charge of Montenegro’s airspace and the country is a NATO member, the Balkan Security Network said.