Minister Nosatîi: EU’s €20 million funding to be used for modern air defense systems
The European Union has allocated 20 million euros to strengthen the Republic of Moldova's defense capabilities. This funding will be used to acquire modern air defense systems. The announcement was made by Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi, in response to recent incidents where at least ten Russian drones illegally entered the national airspace.
According to the minister, the European funds are part of a program aimed at strengthening the defense infrastructure of partner states.
“The 20 million euros come from a program funded by the European Union to enhance national defense capabilities. We are in the process of identifying and contracting air defense systems,” Minister Nosatîi declared before the Government meeting on December 3.
The official explained that the new systems cannot be purchased immediately because they are in high demand on the international market and must be manufactured specifically for each buyer state.
“These systems are highly sought after in the market. They will be new systems that need to be produced. You can’t simply purchase them and bring them to the Republic of Moldova. After signing the contract, delivery may take between one and a half to two years,” the minister said.
Currently, the Republic of Moldova has approximately 20 radars used for airspace monitoring, but they vary in type and generation, with some dating back to earlier conflicts.
“The national airspace monitoring system includes approximately 20 radars of different types and generations, some dating back to previous conflicts, each possessing certain technical capabilities. With new acquisitions, we will obtain significantly better capabilities. The latest instances of airspace overflights were monitored using the equipment we currently have at our disposal,” Nosatîi emphasized.
After the December 2 meeting of the National Security Council, President Maia Sandu also stated that the authorities of the Republic of Moldova are seeking solutions to increase investment in airspace protection equipment, especially in light of reports that Russian drones are increasingly flying illegally over the Republic of Moldova.
The head of state stressed that “drones represent a real danger” to the entire country and urged the population not to contribute to the spread of misinformation in this context, as “disinformation hinders the state’s mission to protect its population.”
In April 2025, the European Union announced a financial assistance package of 20 million euros intended to support the air defense capabilities of the Republic of Moldova. According to the European Executive, these funds are to be used for the purchase of short-range air defense launchers and missiles.
Increased Russian drone activity in the airspace of the Republic of Moldova
The Giurgiulesti-Reni border crossing point was temporarily closed on the night of December 2 following a drone attack on the Ukrainian city of Bolgrad, which is near the border with the Republic of Moldova. The closure began at 01:20 and lasted approximately 40 minutes, during which border authorities closely monitored the security situation in the area.
According to the Border Police, the alert regarding the aerial threat was issued by the Air Operations Service of the Ministry of Defense after radars detected drones in Ukraine moving from the city of Reni toward Bolgrad. Ukrainian border authorities confirmed that Bolgrad had been attacked by Shahed drones.
Additionally, on the night of November 28 to 29, the national airspace was closed, grounding planes for over an hour following the illegal entry of two Russian drones into the Republic of Moldova’s airspace.
On November 25, six more Russian drones were detected across Moldovan airspace, flying over areas such as Vinogradovca–Vulcănești, Dondușeni, Orhei, Tighina, Vadul lui Vodă, and Florești. One of the drones was spotted at an altitude of about 1,500 meters and was heading toward Romania.
In a separate incident, a drone crashed onto the roof of a house in Cuhurestii de Jos, in the Florești district, resulting in the evacuation of residents in the vicinity.
In the past, several Russian drones have fallen within the Republic of Moldova, causing explosions near populated areas, such as in Taraclia in February.
Since 2021, the Republic of Moldova has received 197 million euros through the European Peace Facility, funded by the EU, to modernize its National Army. These investments are also aimed at enhancing the country's air defense capabilities.
