Defense Minister reports to Parliament: Defense investments important for security of Moldova

Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi stated today in the plenary of Parliament that the modernization of the National Army is an essential condition for maintaining peace and security in the Republic of Moldova. The statements were made during the debate on a motion submitted against the policies of the Ministry of Defense.

The official emphasized that peace is not guaranteed by default but must be built and defended through a prepared, well-equipped army made up of motivated servicemen. According to the minister, the war near the borders of the Republic of Moldova has demonstrated the need for investments in defense capabilities.

“Today I stand before you to answer a motion of no confidence. But this debate is also an opportunity to discuss a subject that goes beyond any political dispute: the security and defense of the Republic of Moldova. Peace does not appear by chance. Peace is built. Peace is maintained. Peace is defended,” Nosatîi said.

The minister highlighted the lessons of the war in the region and the need for a well-prepared army.

“To defend peace, we need an army that is trained, well equipped and made up of people motivated to serve under the flag of the Republic of Moldova. The war taking place at our border has offered a clear lesson to the whole of Europe. States that invest in defense capabilities protect their freedom, stability and prosperity,” the official noted.

Referring to the situation of the army in 2021, Nosatîi said:

“The army was suffering from chronic underfunding. Military infrastructure was degraded. Most military equipment dated back to the Soviet period. In some military units, soldiers had living conditions that did not meet even basic standards: faulty stoves, non-functional bathrooms, deteriorated buildings. Conscripts faced difficulties related to food, and basic products were missing from warehouses. Apart from camouflage uniforms, soldiers did not have modern individual equipment. The salary of a contract soldier was about 5,000 lei, and that of a sergeant about 6,000 lei—levels that could not ensure a decent living or motivation for a military career.”

The minister then presented the progress achieved:

“In these years we have built together, with the support of Parliament, the specialized Committee, and all MPs who voted for the reforms and the budget, a more modern, better equipped and better prepared army. We have reviewed the food system, updated nutrition standards, and modernized and diversified individual rations. Soldiers have received bulletproof vests, protective helmets, individual medical kits and modern protective equipment. We have introduced new capabilities for the National Army: drone operations and the development of electronic warfare. Military equipment has been modernized: Piranha and Humvee armored vehicles, logistics vehicles and transport equipment.”

The head of defense also stressed investments in military infrastructure:

“In 2020, the budget for capital repairs was about 16 million lei. Today it exceeds 360 million lei annually. This increase has allowed the renovation and construction of military facilities. A symbolic project for this transformation is Military Unit 136 in Băcioi, the first modern complex built from scratch for the National Army. By the end of 2026, the complex will include 46 functional facilities providing modern accommodation, training and logistics conditions.”

In conclusion, the minister underlined the care shown for servicemen:

“Modernizing the army also means caring for people. At the core of any army stands the person wearing the uniform. The salaries of contract soldiers have been increased, free lunch has been introduced, public transport for official duties has become free of charge, and the period of childcare leave is now counted toward the length of service required for a pension. Respect for the soldier means respect for the state.”

The parliamentary opposition submitted on February 19 a simple motion in Parliament against the policies of the Ministry of Defense, invoking serious shortcomings in the management of the institution, including with regard to the security of servicemen and the administration of public assets. The document was signed by 42 MPs.