Moldova must strengthen air defense, create conditions for drone production; Moldovan parliament speaker: “We must seek solutions”

Moldova must invest in strengthening air security and create legislative conditions for the development of drones’ production, including drones meant to intercept unauthorized aircrafts. Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu has made statements to this effect at the programme „Новая неделя” („New Week”), hosted by Anatolie Golea on TV8.

The official said that repeated drone incidents over the territory of Moldova can no longer be considered accidental. He referred to an incident in which five or six aircrafts had entered the country’s airspace within approximately 30–33 minutes.

„This is no longer an accident. We can assume that it is intentional. This confirms our political decision to seek resources and invest in our security, in air security,” Igor Grosu said.

According to the parliament speaker, Moldova has begun investing in radar systems, but purchasing a single radar is not enough to ensure surveillance of the entire airspace. A network of radars covering the country is needed, as well as solutions for intercepting drones.

Grosu noted that some of the necessary resources had been identified with the support of European partners, including through the European Peace Facility. At the same time, he pointed out that procuring the equipment took time, because there is high demand on the international market, including from European countries.

The parliament speaker believes that Moldova should also consider the possibility of producing certain equipment domestically, including drones that could be used to intercept and neutralize other aircrafts.

„We must not wait for someone to come and solve this problem for us. We must seek solutions ourselves. The first thing we can do in parliament is create the necessary legislative framework for this production,” Grosu emphasized.

He advocated a model of cooperation between the state and the private sector, in which the authorities create the necessary conditions, while companies, teams of innovators, and specialists contribute to the development of technologies. In this regard, the official cited Ukraine’s experience, where private initiatives and teams of young specialists have developed solutions for security needs.

Grosu said that the Economic Development and Digitalization Ministry and the Defense Ministry were working on the draft law that would regulate this field. Once drafted, the document will be published on the government’s website and submitted for public consultation, after which it will be discussed in parliament.

Addressing criticism that developing such a capability could trigger a reaction on behalf of the Russian Federation, the parliament speaker said that Moldova must not abandon security measures out of fear of the aggressor state’s response.

At the same time, he explained that decisions on shooting down drones are not simple, because debris from intercepted aircraft may fall in populated areas. The density of settlements in Moldova increases the risks, and solutions must be established in accordance with the recommendations of military specialists.

„It is easy to give advice, but it is very difficult to lead such operations,” Igor Grosu said. He emphasized that investments in security and the development of a clear legislative framework were necessary steps to protect the airspace of  Moldova.

Since the beginning of 2026, more than 50 airspace violations have been recorded in Moldova, while the number of such incidents has exceeded 90 from 2022 to the present, according to the Defense Ministry.

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu has earlier said that the authorities intended to create the necessary legislative framework for developing drones’ production in Moldova. According to the official, the country must meet its own needs, and drones could be used both to strengthen defense and manage emergency situations, as well as in agriculture and other fields. Grosu emphasized that amending the legislation would enable the development of industrial production in this sector.