14.10.2026.
Minister Gašić attends anniversary celebration at 14. Oktobar defence company
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić today attended a ceremony marking the anniversary of the 14. Oktobar defence company in Kruševac.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Gašić emphasised that the history of 14. Oktobar was closely intertwined with the history of Kruševac.- This factory has been one of the pillars of our town's economic growth for decades, a place where generations of workers and experts have used their knowledge and hard work to make products recognised far beyond our national borders - the Minister of Defence said and added that it was his honour to pay tribute to everyone involved in building the company’s wealth and history.
The company’s name (14th October), Minister Gašić said, honours the day Kruševac was liberated from Nazi occupation in 1944, and serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of our ancestors, as well as our duty to uphold the values they fought for.
- The generations who built this factory after the war, continued developing the town, transforming it into one of Serbia’s major industrial centres. The factory manufactured machines and equipment for mining, agriculture, and transport. Thousands of workers acquired knowledge here, honed their skills, and earned money to support their families. Their work left an indelible mark on the economic and social life in Kruševac - Minister Gašić said.The Minister recalled that the factory had endured difficult periods and highlighted that, as a person born and raised in Kruševac, he knew too well how much 14. Oktobar meant to the residents of Kruševac and how closely the company’s fate was tied to the town's fate.
- I believe that expert knowledge, experience, and industrial tradition provide a solid foundation for 14. Oktobar to revive and return to its rightful place among key drivers of economic growth in Kruševac and the whole of Serbia – Minister Gašić noted.
According to him, the Government of the Republic of Serbia is continuing to invest in modernising the Serbian Armed Forces and strengthening the national defence industry, with the ultimate goal of making Serbia strong and fully capable of protecting its citizens and national interests.- Our ability to develop and manufacture our own defence equipment is a vital prerequisite for preserving our national security and sovereignty. That is why strengthening our production capabilities and meeting as much of our defence needs as possible relying on our own resources is a top priority – the Minister of Defence said, stressing that Serbian Defence Industry companies view 14. Oktobar as a valuable partner in manufacturing cutting-edge combat systems.
According to Minister Gašić, industrial progress is particularly important for the people working in this industry and their families and local communities.
- We want 14. Oktobar to continue advancing its production, creating new jobs, and offering young engineers, technicians, and qualified workers the opportunity to build their careers here in Kruševac – Minister Gašić said, stressing that the company’s managing director had promised that no workers employed at the existing forge would lose their jobs when the new forging plant is launched.Minister Gašić highlighted the factory’s importance to the town’s future.
- You built the town of Kruševac. I am confident that your knowledge, experience, and dedication will be the pillars of this factory’s future growth. Congratulations on your company day. I wish you every success in your future work. May 14. Oktobar be one of the symbols of the industrial strength of both Kruševac and Serbia – the Minister of Defence said.
Speaking at the event, Petar Miljković, General Director at 14. Oktobar, noted that generations of Kruševac residents had learned their trade and gained financial security working in the plant, which made the anniversary a celebration of its workforce. He expressed his gratitude to Minister Gašić and the Ministry of Defence for recognising the importance of 14. Oktobar to the defence industry and national security.During his visit to 14. Oktobar, Minister Gašić toured the main machining plant, new shell phosphating, machining, and painting facilities, as well as the newly built forging plant, that is yet to be launched.
The event was attended by the Acting Assistant Minister for Material Resources, Nenad Miloradović, Ph.D., the Head of the Personnel Department, Brigadier General Zlatko Mišić, the Mayor of Kruševac, Ivan Manojlović, representatives of the Ministry of the Interior and the Emergency Management Sector, as well as factory staff.