Moldova's air defence capabilities to improve with new EU-provided systems

Moldovan Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatîi announced that the Moldovan National Army will receive a new batch of aid from the European Union, which will include advanced air defence systems.

“The new air defence systems will have capabilities to intercept and destroy various aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and certain types of missiles,” Nosatîi told reporters following a government meeting on April 16, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He emphasised that “European support is crucial for Moldova to ensure the safety of its citizens and to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.”

Nosatîi further noted that air defence continues to be a key priority for Moldova. He highlighted the progress made, saying, "In addition to airspace monitoring systems, we are now focused on advancing to the next phase, which involves systems for direct airspace defence."

The minister also mentioned that in the coming days, Moldovan authorities and European partners would coordinate the transfer of this aid, which will be provided as a grant.

Earlier, in January, Nosatîi had announced that Moldova would receive a new radar system capable of detecting drones, with installation scheduled for 2026. He confirmed that the contract for the radar was signed on April 5, 2024, and it is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2026.

In December 2023, the Moldovan Ministry of Defence had already received a French-made Ground Master 200 radar from Thales, purchased using state funds. The mobile radar system, which costs 14 million euros, can detect aerial targets within a 250-kilometre radius, contributing to the country's airspace monitoring capabilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova