Moldova to Purchase Drone Detection Systems with EU Support After 34 Incidents
Moldova's Defense Ministry will acquire new UAV detection and interception systems with financial assistance from the European Union, following 34 incidents involving drones and ballistic missiles since Russia's aggression against Ukraine began.
The Ministry of Defense of Moldova plans to purchase new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detection and interception systems, funded by the European Union. A state secretary stated that since the start of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, 34 incidents involving drones and ballistic missiles have occurred in Moldova's airspace.
The procurement is carried out with EU support, including through the European Peace Facility with a €120 million package approved by the EU Council on July 13. Additionally, Moldova cooperates with NATO under the Defense Capability Building (DCB) initiative to enhance counter-drone capabilities.
The state secretary highlighted that Moldova faces a "strategic depth space" problem, which significantly complicates response to airspace violations. Specialists must quickly assess the consequences of interception if the drone carries explosives.
Cooperation with the EU, bilateral partners, and NATO is deemed crucial for modernizing not only the defense ministry but also the Interior Ministry, border police, and cybersecurity institutions.
Recent Shahed-136 Incident
On the night of July 13, a drone fell near the village of Copanca in Căușeni district, causing a small fire upon impact. Moldova's Defense Ministry identified it as a Russian Shahed-136 drone containing 40 kg of explosives. The drone was controlled-destroyed on the evening of July 14.
Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi commented that the army's radars had not detected the drone.
