Partner 2025: Serbia Unveils Lazar 3 M22 APC, Mali Miloš UGV and Pegaz UAV at Belgrade Defense Expo

Serbia’s flagship defense exhibition Partner 2025 opened in Belgrade with a strong showing of domestically developed military technologies. The event highlighted the Serbian defense industry’s ambitions to modernize its armed forces while expanding its export footprint. Key unveilings included upgraded armored vehicles like the Lazar 3 M22 APC and BOV M21 IFV variants, an enhanced Mali Miloš UGV platform with new weapon configurations, and the Pegaz tactical UAV system.

Armored Vehicle Modernization Takes Center Stage

Yugoimport SDPR presented several key upgrades to its armored vehicle fleet. The centerpiece was the Lazar 3 M22, an evolved version of the Lazar family of modular wheeled armored personnel carriers (APCs). The M22 variant features improved ballistic protection (STANAG Level IV), enhanced anti-mine capabilities (Level IIIa/b), and a redesigned internal layout for better crew ergonomics. It retains an 8×8 configuration and is powered by a Cummins diesel engine delivering over 500 hp.

The showcased model was equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) mounting a 30mm automatic cannon, coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and integrated electro-optical sensors for day/night targeting. This configuration supports both infantry transport and fire support roles.

Also on display was the BOV M21, a modular light armored vehicle based on the older BOV platform but redesigned for modern battlefield requirements. Variants included command-and-control versions as well as those fitted with anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launchers or mortar systems.

Mali Miloš UGV Now Armed With RALAS Missile

The latest iteration of Serbia’s Mali Miloš unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) was revealed with significant upgrades in firepower and mission flexibility. Originally developed as a tracked ISR and light support platform weighing around one tonne, the new Mali Miloš variant integrates heavier weapons including:

A twin-barrel 20mm cannon
RALAS anti-tank guided missile launcher
An optional smoke grenade discharger array for self-protection

This upgrade positions Mali Miloš not just as a reconnaissance tool but also as an effective anti-armor asset in contested environments. The RALAS missile—developed by Yugoimport SDPR—is a semi-active laser-guided ATGM with a range exceeding 3 km. Its integration onto an unmanned platform marks Serbia’s entry into armed UGV concepts aligned with NATO doctrine on manned-unmanned teaming.

Pegaz Tactical UAV System Advances Toward Operational Use

The Pegaz tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), co-developed by Yugoimport SDPR and China’s AVIC (based on CH-92A), made another appearance at Partner 2025 in its latest configuration. Designed for ISR missions at brigade level or higher echelons, Pegaz features:

An endurance of up to 12 hours
A maximum takeoff weight of approximately 250 kg
A payload capacity allowing EO/IR turrets or light munitions such as FT-8C guided bombs or RALAS-L missiles
A datalink range exceeding 100 km LOS

The Serbian Ministry of Defence has previously confirmed that Pegaz systems are undergoing operational testing within select Army units. At Partner 2025 it was revealed that further integration is underway to link Pegaz data feeds into C4ISR networks operated by Serbian Ground Forces.

PASARS Hybrid Air Defense System Gets Radar Upgrade

The PASARS-16 hybrid air defense system, which combines a Bofors L/70 40mm autocannon with short-range missile interceptors such as RLN-1C or Igla/Verdikt-type MANPADS derivatives, was shown fitted with an upgraded fire control radar suite.

This includes:

A new X-band tracking radar integrated directly onto the FAP truck chassis
An electro-optical backup targeting module for passive engagement capability
Improved C2 interface compatible with Serbian IADS architecture under development since mid-2020s

The PASARS system is designed to provide mobile SHORAD coverage against low-flying aircraft, cruise missiles and rotary-wing threats—especially relevant given evolving drone swarm tactics observed in recent conflicts like Ukraine.

Artillery Systems Refined for Precision Strike Roles

Serbia also displayed refinements to its artillery portfolio including:

NORA-B52 M21 self-propelled howitzer: A modernized version of this long-range (up to ~40 km) NATO-standard caliber (155 mm/52) gun mounted on an FAP wheeled chassis now features digital fire control upgrades compatible with GNSS-guided projectiles such as VLAP rounds.
Tamnava MLRS: A dual-caliber rocket launcher capable of firing both unguided Grad-type rockets (122 mm) and heavier guided munitions up to ~50 km range from modular pods mounted on an FAP platform.
SORA self-propelled gun-howitzer: A lightweight SPG optimized for rapid deployment via airlift or rail; useful in mountainous Balkan terrain where mobility trumps armor protection.

Domestic Industry Pushes Export Ambitions Amid Regional Tensions

The Partner expo serves not only as a showcase for modernization but also as part of Serbia’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional arms exporter. Yugoimport SDPR continues to market its platforms across Africa, Asia and Latin America—regions where cost-effective yet capable systems are in demand.

The Lazar family has already seen interest from countries like Pakistan and Nigeria; meanwhile Pegaz UAVs have reportedly been offered under joint production agreements to Middle Eastern partners. The inclusion of armed UGVs like Mali Miloš could further differentiate Serbia’s offerings in niche markets seeking low-cost autonomous solutions without reliance on Western suppliers constrained by ITAR regulations.

Conclusion: Serbia Balances Modernization With Strategic Autonomy Goals

Partner 2025 reflects Serbia’s dual-track approach—modernizing its armed forces while cultivating indigenous capabilities that reduce foreign dependency. With platforms like Lazar M22 APCs offering NATO interoperability alongside domestic missile developments such as RALAS integrated onto unmanned systems, Belgrade signals intent to remain militarily agile amid shifting regional dynamics.

If these systems move from prototype phase into serial production backed by real operational deployment data—and if export deals materialize—Serbia could emerge not just as a consumer but contributor within global MilTech ecosystems focused on affordable innovation over exquisite complexity.