China likely source of Serbian military’s armed robodogs

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Serbia demonstrated robotic dogs armed with heavy weaponry during its Pobednik 2026 military exercise, indicating an increased reliance on advanced robotics in its defense strategy. This move aligns with Serbia’s recent launch of a domestic robotics factory supported by Chinese technology, highlighting a growing military partnership that could influence regional defense dynamics.

Serbia showcased robotic dogs equipped with machine guns, grenade launchers, and rocket launchers during its Pobednik 2026 live-fire military exercise on Sunday, signaling a possible integration of advanced robotic technology into its defense arsenal. The exercise involved multiple branches of the Serbian armed forces, including the army, air force, air defense, special forces, and military police. According to Serbian media, the robotic quadrupeds were deployed in scenarios to enter hazardous areas and secure access for special forces.

This demonstration follows the recent opening of a robotics manufacturing facility in Sabac, western Serbia, which began production of humanoid robots and robotic dogs in late August. The factory is a joint venture between Taiwan-based automotive supplier Minth Group and mainland China’s AgiBot, which provides technological support. At the factory’s inauguration on August 29, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that domestically produced combat robots would be operational within roughly two weeks, foreshadowing the Pobednik 2026 display.

While AgiBot stated it neither produced nor sold the quadrupedal robots used in the drills and emphasized that its products are intended for civilian applications only, Minth Group did not respond to inquiries regarding the military use of the robots. Observers suggest China is the likely source of the technology showcased by Serbia, given restrictions on U.S. military robotic exports and China’s dominant position in global robotic dog manufacturing, holding an estimated 80 percent market share.

Experts highlight the existing defense cooperation between China and Serbia, suggesting that the newly revealed robotic systems may have been manufactured at the Sabac plant. Vuk Vuksanovic, a lecturer in foreign policy and grand strategy at King’s College London, noted that the level of sophistication in Serbian defense technology and its capacity to integrate Chinese robotics remains unclear. He added that Serbia’s defense procurement lacks consistent long-term strategic planning, posing questions about seamless integration.

China’s strategic pursuit of expanding defense markets through such partnerships reflects its interest in leveraging Serbia as a gateway to European defense sectors. China is a major global supplier of components for unmanned systems with dual-use potential and is rapidly advancing robotic technologies within its own military forces.

The appearance of armed robotic dogs in Serbia’s military operations marks a significant development in the region’s defense capabilities, closely tied to the expanding collaboration between Serbia and Chinese technology firms.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.