Speaker: Modernizing National Army and adapting defense capabilities to new security realities require updating strategic documents

Modernizing the National Army and adapting defense capabilities to the new security realities in the region require updating strategic documents and developing airspace surveillance systems. The statement was made by Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, who emphasized that the draft resolution on the new structure and personnel strength of the National Army, approved yesterday during a closed session, will contribute to strengthening the state’s defense capabilities.

The official explained that the draft was examined during a closed session in accordance with regulatory provisions. He noted that the lawmakers and other officials who had access to the document were informed of their obligation to maintain state secrecy and of the liability they could face in the event of disclosing confidential information.


“The regulations stipulate that the draft resolution presented to Parliament must be discussed in a closed session. That is the rule; we did not invent it. Regarding the possibility of information being disclosed, the lawmakers and other officials present at the session signed two documents granting them access to state secrets and specifically to this draft. They were also informed of the criminal, civil, and administrative consequences of disclosing the information. Therefore, each of them bears liability and responsibility for maintaining confidentiality. The director of the Intelligence and Security Service was also present in the room. We ensured all the necessary conditions. From this point on, each person decides whether or not to disclose the information and will be held accountable for their actions,” Grosu said.


The Speaker noted that these changes are necessary for the National Army, as, following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, the Republic of Moldova has been facing a new regional security context.


“Several strategies addressing defense and security have previously been approved, which makes it necessary to update or approve a number of additional documents, including the army’s structure and other aspects required by the new realities. All these matters are reflected in the respective documents. There is nothing exceptional or unusual about them. They are absolutely necessary for the modernization and operation of the army,” Igor Grosu remarked.


The Speaker of Parliament reiterated the need to strengthen the national airspace surveillance system by purchasing radars and other equipment. According to him, although the country has operational radars and cooperates with Ukraine and Romania in monitoring its airspace, an expanded equipment network is needed to cover the entire territory.


“The acquisitions we are making to monitor and protect our airspace are important. Minister Anatolie Nosatîi, together with the entire Government, has managed to secure 300 million euros through the European Peace Facility to purchase radars and other important equipment. These systems are operational. However, our country needs a complete network of radars. Geographically, the Republic of Moldova stretches along a north-south axis, and covering the entire territory requires several components of an airspace surveillance system. We have made progress in this area. We have interconnections and cooperation with the Ukrainian and Romanian sides. When our Ukrainian colleagues detect a drone entering our territory, they notify us. We can also detect it using our radars. If it continues toward Romania, we notify our Romanian colleagues. It is clear that we must invest in this area,” the official said.


Asked whether the Republic of Moldova intends to invest in drone production, Igor Grosu said that “such plans exist.”


“This is where Parliament’s role comes in: it must amend the legislation to allow such economic activities and the development of industrial production in this field. At present, the legislation does not allow this. We will make these changes to ensure that we can meet our own needs. Some have speculated that we would do this to export drones. My answer is that we must first meet our own needs. This is not only about defense. Drones can also be used in emergencies, for example, when an area needs to be surveyed in search of missing persons, including in the case of road accidents. They can also be used in agriculture and many other fields,” the Speaker emphasized.


Parliament voted yesterday on the draft resolution approving the general structure and personnel strength of the National Army. The document entered into force today upon publication in the Official Journal of the Republic of Moldova.

Until now, the National Army had approximately 6,500 military personnel and 2,000 civilian employees.