17.10.2026.
Strengthening Serbian Armed Forces’ capabilities in Pirot
The Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, General Milan Mojsilović, accompanied by his colleagues, visited the Third Infantry Regiment Barracks in Pirot today. In addition to logistical units already stationed there, a battalion-sized tactical unit will be relocated to the barracks in Pirot at the start of next year.
During the tour, General Mojsilović reviewed the organisation of daily life and operations at the barracks, as well as the progress of infrastructure upgrades being made to welcome the incoming unit and soldiers. Also in attendance were the Mayor of Pirot, Vladan Vasić, and the Head of the Logistics Directorate (J-4) of the General Staff, Major General Saša Petrović.Speaking after the tour, General Mojsilović noted that the aim of his visit to Pirot was to look at the factual situation regarding the implementation of strategic directives from the President of the Republic to enhance the Serbian Armed Forces’ operational capabilities and to assign troops to new locations and garrisons in the Republic of Serbia.
- I would like to announce that the restoration of the Pirot garrison, including the revitalization of the existing military facilities will be underway as early as 2027. Simultaneously, operational capabilities will be enhanced, and a tactical unit will be relocated from central Serbia to the Pirot garrison. Operationally, we are satisfied with the current progress. Equipment has been procured, and plans are being executed in accordance with the original idea. We have a clear vision and the capacity needed, so I expect the first phase to be fully completed in 2027. I would like to point out that this will be the easternmost point in Serbia where the Serbian Armed Forces are stationed – General Mojsilović stated.
Recently, two soldier housing facilities have been reconstructed, one with a capacity for 200 personnel and the other for 100. Additionally, housing facilities for the units already stationed at the base have been renovated, and the barracks have been connected to the gas distribution network.Next month, renovation work will start on the infirmary, dining hall, kitchen, food storage facility and fuel station. These works will improve living conditions, catering, medical care, and logistical support for the units and personnel to be stationed at the barracks.
Once compulsory military service is reintroduced, the Pirot barracks will house up to 300 soldiers, depending on the model chosen. The Serbian Armed Forces will endeavour, whenever service requirements permit, to allow soldiers from Pirot and the surrounding area to undertake their military service in this town.
The Mayor of Pirot, Vladan Vasić, stated that the return of the military was one of Pirot’s major strategic goals.- The town is regaining its garrison. This can be viewed from several perspectives: economically, as the military is a major consumer, and demographically, as families will return here, bringing children to fill local kindergartens and schools. This will also open significant employment opportunities, with the military hiring many local residents. Ultimately, this will enhance security. Pirot eagerly awaits 2027 and the return of the military - Mayor Vasić stressed.
