President of Moldova Maia Sandu said the country needs modern interceptor drones to protect itself from threats linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine. According to her, developing such technologies requires Chișinău to amend legislation and create conditions for domestic defense production.
Source: Bukvy
Moldova has repeatedly experienced incidents in which Russian drones entered its airspace or debris fell near settlements close to the border. Sandu also referred to a drone strike on a residential building in the Romanian city of Galați, near the border with Moldova and Ukraine, which left two people injured.
In a comment to a local blogger, the president emphasized that Moldova’s neutral status does not mean it must remain defenseless.
“Those who want our country to be completely defenseless must understand: there is a risk that drones will fall on us, and we will not be able to do anything about it,” Sandu said.
She also stated that she has instructed the government to prepare legislative changes that would allow public-private partnerships in the defense sector and attract foreign investment into such projects.
Sandu added that Moldova is already consulting with Ukraine on the development of interceptor drone technology, calling Ukraine’s experience particularly valuable.
According to Reuters, Moldovan military forces have more than 20 times not used force in cases of airspace violations by drones or when debris fell near populated areas.
In Sandu’s view, these incidents highlight the need for a new approach to the country’s security, as Moldova aims to join the EU by 2030.