Air defense - strategic priority for Moldova, Defense Minister says

The protection of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova has become a strategic priority, emphasized Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatîi during the report presented today in the parliament.

The minister explained that, in the context of the war in Ukraine, a recently acquired radar is now operational and provides the country with airspace surveillance capabilities:


"In the context of the war in Ukraine, the protection of airspace has become a strategic priority for all states in the region. The radar acquired by the Republic of Moldova is operational and provides airspace surveillance capability. The Military Strategy for the next 10 years, until 2035, envisages the phased development of air interception systems, including through international assistance programs. Building a complete air defense system requires time, investment and international cooperation. This process has started and continues."


Nosatîi explained that investments in the modernization of the National Army are transparent and comply with the law:


"All procurement procedures are public on the MTender platform and can be checked by any citizen. The procedures have been verified by the National Anticorruption Center and no irregularities have been found. The European Union's support for the modernization of the National Army has increased from approximately 7 million euros in 2022 to approximately 60 million euros in 2025. I am grateful to European taxpayers for every euro invested in the security of Moldovan citizens."


The minister also emphasized the importance of professionalizing the armed forces, including the reserve corps and contract soldiers, while maintaining conscription as an element of national resilience:


"The modernization of the army also includes the process of professionalizing the armed forces. The policy of the Ministry of Defense aims to increase the share of contract soldiers and to strengthen the corps of trained reservists. At the same time, compulsory military service remains an important element of national resilience. This approach reflects international trends. Latvia reintroduced compulsory military service in 2023. Croatia will reintroduce military service in 2026. Denmark has expanded military service to include women. In Germany, France and Poland, the debate on military service is active. These developments show a new reality: European security is going through a period of transformation."


In conclusion, he said "The Republic of Moldova needs a prepared, modern and professional army, and investments in defense are investments in stability, economic development and safety for citizens."