Moldova, Romania examine joint programmes for counter-drone defense

Moldova and Romania are discussing expanding cooperation in the field of defense, including through the development of joint counter-drone programmes and exchanges of security technologies. Romania’s Prime Minister, Luca Niculescu, has said the two states were holding talks to strengthen cooperation in defense, so that citizens are protected regardless of where they are.

Prime Ministers Vasile Tofan and Luca Niculescu made statements to this effect at a today’s news conference in Chisinau, following a question about the protection of Romanian citizens in Moldova, amid Russian drones flying over Moldovan airspace.

“Russian attacks are unacceptable and protection must be provided for all Romanian citizens, for all citizens, whether they are in Moldova or in Romania. We are holding very practical discussions to strengthen our cooperation in the field of defense,” Luca Niculescu said.

The Romanian prime minister said that the European SAFE programme would contribute to strengthening Romania’s defense industry and could bring shared benefits to the two states. According to him, the authorities are also discussing exchanges of security technologies.

Referring to the development of counter-drone systems, Niculescu said that discussions on acquiring them in Romania were at an advanced stage.

“We are discussing with our partners in Moldova working together on counter-drone programmes as well, as (...) citizens must be protected wherever they may be,” the Romanian prime minister stated. He did not provide an exact timeline for the installation of the systems, noting that they are expected to arrive in Romania “as soon as possible.”

For his part, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said that Moldova intended to deepen cooperation with Romania in the field of defense, including by expanding joint programs and the exchange of expertise. He noted that the strategic partnership between the two states provided a framework for discussions on strengthening Moldova’s defense capabilities.

“In the strategic partnership with Romania, and I believe it is the closest partnership we have as a country, we have full trust between the two governments and, clearly, defense-related exchanges of expertise are also part of our bilateral agenda,” Tofan said.

The Moldovan prime minister added that the authorities of Moldova were negotiating with their Romanian partners to expand cooperation, including in areas related to security, in order to strengthen the country’s defense.

Tofan also said that Romania had its own defense industry and participates in the SAFE programme, while Moldovan authorities are discussing with the Romanian side the expansion of cooperation within this framework.

The two prime ministers addressed security in the context of drone-related incidents and regional risks, emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation between Moldova and Romania in the field of defense.