03.11.2025.
Minister Gašić attends ceremony marking 77th anniversary of Military Technical Institute
Today, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a ceremony held at the Military Technical Institute’s amphitheatre to mark the 77th anniversary of this leading national research institution in the field of defence technology.
The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation Bela Balint.The Minister of Defence emphasized that a country’s defensive strength rests on two key components, the moral strength of its people, i.e., their resolve to unconditionally and uncompromisingly defend their right to their own living space, freedom, and national dignity, and the capability to develop a military force able to effectively counter any existential threat.
- Although these two components appear distinct at first glance, they are in fact interconnected. An awareness of the value of what we defend builds our determination to make ourselves capable of doing that task, while on the other hand, the strength we possess reinforces our conviction that the goal we pursue is achievable. Today we gather to mark a solemn and significant occasion - Military Technical Institute Day. This is an institution whose principal mission is to acquire, develop, and advance the specialized knowledge necessary to build the technical and technological capabilities required for the defence of the Republic of Serbia. The experts at this institution form the intellectual core that enables us to design, develop, and produce cutting-edge combat systems and equipment for the Serbian Armed Forces – Minister Gašić emphasized, adding that the Military Technical Institute forms the core of national independence in the field of defence technologies.
He recalled the recently held Power of Unity military parade, as well as the largest defence exhibition to date, Partner 2025.- Every member of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, every citizens of our country felt joy and pride at the sight of endless echelons of modern combat equipment. Many of those systems were designed and developed by the Military Technical Institute’s scientists and researchers and produced by our defence industry factories. We saw the two fundamental components of our defence capability in their full glory. We showed that we know what we are defending, and that we possess the means to protect it if necessary – said Minister Gašić.
The Minister of Defence emphasized that today, on the 77th anniversary of the Military Technical Institute, recognition is given to the experts who “over the past decades, gifted our country, military, and people with numerous innovations and outstanding technological solutions, as well as to those who continue to carry out this strategically important task today”.
- Recognizing how much the intellect of these people, and of all those who came before them, has contributed to the defence system, the sole wish and message of today’s ceremony is that you continue doing this work with the same dedication and professionalism. You, more than anyone, understand the explosive pace at which combat systems are being developed and used. Unfortunately, we are contemporaries of several large regional conflicts that have, in many respects, changed the philosophy of warfare. What would have been regarded as science fiction until a decade ago is now reality. A state’s defence capability is based on its readiness and ability to accept that reality swiftly and apply it as quickly as possible in the equipping and training of its armed forces – said Minister Gašić.In conclusion, he said that the members of the Military Technical Institute have shown outstanding adaptability to new technological circumstances, offering solutions that ensure the Serbian Armed Forces remain on par with the strongest militaries in Europe and around the world.
- The Ministry of Defence, with the strong support of the state leadership and the President of the Republic, follows your work and achievements with great attention. We are, therefore, ready to support, in every possible way, the development of this institution and the quality of life and work of all its members. With deep respects for the results you have achieved, I once again extend my congratulations on Military Technical Institute Day. May your outstanding intellectual potential and your love for the homeland continue to guide you toward the greatest accomplishments in the years to come – Minister Gašić emphasized.
On the occasion of the Institute’s 77th anniversary, the Director, Colonel Ivan Pokrajac, Ph.D., presented the Grand Plaque of the Military Technical Institute to Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić.In his speech, Colonel Pokrajac first reflected on the Institute’s long history, which has produced numerous experts in the field of defence technology. He also noted that today the Military Technical Institute is the largest military scientific and research institution in Serbia.
- The results of the Military Technical Institute’s work were on full display during the Power of Unity military parade. The parade featured a variety of systems, weapons, and military equipment developed, upgraded, or modernized at the Military Technical Institute, such as the modernized BOFORS air defence system, Tragač target display systems, and Osica and Vrabac unmanned aerial vehicles, and many others. As in previous years, the Military Technical Institute was the largest exhibitor at the International Armament and Military Equipment Exhibition Partner 2025. To ensure the continuity of scientific and research work, and in line with the needs of the Serbian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence provides a favourable environment for the modernization of existing systems and the development of new weapons and military equipment. For this, we are sincerely grateful to the Ministry of Defence and the state of Serbia – Colonel Pokrajac emphasized.
Major General Slavko Rakić, Head of the Defence Technologies Department of the Material Resources Sector, was presented with the Archimedes Plaque in recognition of his outstanding contribution to achieving the Institute’s goals and objectives.Fore exceptional business cooperation over the past year, the Director of the Military Technical Institute awarded certificates of appreciation to the following companies: Sloboda AD Čačak, the Mihajlo Pupin Institute, Dedra-tim Belgrade, and Brza Voda. For successful business cooperation, the Military Technical Institute Plaque was also awarded to the Moma Stanojlović Aviation Institute, FAP Priboj, and the Vlatakom Institute.
The anniversary celebration was attended by members of the Defence Minister’s collegium, members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, along with the Military Technical Institute’s numerous partners and guests.