The importance of building interoperability of the Serbian armed forces for participation in multinational operations

Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) Serbia adopted in 2015 highlights the significance of attaining interoperability and participating in multinational operations. Chapter II of the IPAP dealing with defense and military issues entails a wide spectrum of areas which require interoperability building, however, this analysis concentrates on the activities and goals related to military exercises and training for multinational operations. Accordingly, it offers the explanation of the notion of interoperability, the role of military exercises and training in interoperability building, as well as the overview of instruments available to Serbia within the framework of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program.

As a Partnership for Peace program member, Serbia joined different mechanisms through which NATO offers the opportunity to partner countries to enhance interoperability, by providing financial support and expertise. For instance, SAF participate in a great number of military exercises with NATO and PfP countries on an annual basis. Military exercises contribute to interoperability building, considering that they provide a possibility for the SAF members to acquire and exchange experience in a multinational environment and improve capabilities necessary for engagement in peacekeeping missions. Another tool for enhancing interoperability is trainings conducted prior to deployment to multinational operations. Serbia has developed a system for both individual and collective training for multinational operations, as well as courses dealing with specific topics, such as gender dimension or integrity in multinational operations.

The analysis offers an overview of military exercises and training for multinational operations and explains their role in enhancing interoperability necessary for smooth functioning of the SAF with other armed forces in the operation zones.

Preparation of this publication was supported by Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) through the project “Informing the Public Debate on Serbia-NATO Relations“. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Canada.