03.04.2026.
Evaluation of SAF unit ahead of deployment to peacekeeping operation
An infantry company from the 3rd Army Brigade, designated for deployment with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), has successfully passed its readiness and interoperability evaluation conducted this week at Base South and the Borovac Training Ground.
The evaluation of the unit’s readiness to carry out peacekeeping tasks in line with the mission mandate, as part of the Spanish battalion, was conducted by a team of evaluators from the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff during the Serbian Shield 27 exercise.The multi-day exercise was organized around the tasks the company will perform in UNIFIL’s area of operations, including patrols, observation and reporting of incidents, establishment of permanent checkpoints, crowd control, and base security. In light of the current situation in the wider region, the preparation of SAF personnel particularly focused on the security aspect.
Captain Stefan Mitić, a platoon leader within the infantry company, explains that the unit began its training with individual drills, focusing on the techniques, tactics, and procedures used in peacekeeping operations.
— We completed collective training at Base South and at the Borovac training ground, where the infantry company practiced tactical procedures and carried out tasks in line with operational procedures under the mission mandate. The aim of the training was to prepare each individual and the unit as a whole for all the challenges of a peacekeeping operation. The evaluation results show that our personnel are well-trained, highly motivated, and ready for deployment to the mission area - emphasized Captain Mitić.Junior Sergeant Desimir Tasić, who is ready for his second deployment in a peacekeeping mission, says that he is proud that the infantry company has successfully conducted the exercise and demonstrated that they are both capable and ready to deploy to Lebanon.
— The training was intensive and very demanding, but through teamwork and dedication, we successfully completed all assigned tasks. We have improved our tactical skills, ability to respond in various situations, as well as our physical fitness. We are aware of the responsibility that comes with participating in a peacekeeping mission and we are confident we will successfully accomplish all tasks assigned to us - said Junior Sergeant Tasić.
The Serbian Armed Forces’ involvement in the peacekeeping operation in Lebanon began in 2012 with the deployment of an infantry platoon. The following year, the contribution was expanded to a full infantry company. Today, the Serbian Armed Forces also provide a force protection platoon, staff officers, and a national support element to the mission.