Moldova’s leader is calling for advanced drone defense capabilities as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to impact her nation’s security.
President Maia Sandu announced that new laws must be passed to enable the production of high-tech interceptor drones, citing the urgent need highlighted by the war next door. The country, which aims to join the European Union by 2030, has faced repeated violations of its airspace by Russian aircraft and falling debris near border areas.
The president, who has been vocal in her opposition to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, pointed to a recent incident where a drone hit a home in Galati, Romania, near the borders with both Moldova and Ukraine, leaving two people injured.
Speaking during a podcast with a local blogger aired Sunday, Sandu emphasized the vulnerability her constitutionally neutral nation faces.
“Those who want our country to be completely defenceless must understand that there is a risk that drones will fall on us and we won’t be able to do anything about it,” she stated.
“I have asked the government, particularly in the context of recent events, to begin introducing or preparing legislative amendments,” she added.
The proposed laws would enable both government and private sector collaboration in weapons manufacturing, while also creating opportunities for international investment in the defense sector.
Sandu revealed that her country has already begun discussions with Ukraine about drone technology, noting that Ukraine has developed significant expertise after more than four years of defending against Russian drone attacks.
“Ukrainians are the best in terms of interceptor drones,” she explained. “We will try to secure technology from there to the extent that we can with our capabilities. In order to use these technologies, we must first build up a team of experts.”
Moldova’s armed forces have been unable to respond to more than 20 separate occasions when Russian drones have entered the country’s airspace or when drone wreckage has fallen near Moldovan communities.
