The Moldovan government this week plans to review and approve the National Defense Strategy for the next 10 years. What awaits the country's army — read the material.
Security threats to Moldova
The strategy describes threats to the security of Moldova. One of them is the ongoing war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in particular the possible expansion of military operations in the Odessa region.
— In this context, the potential goal – the establishment (by Russia) of a military land corridor to the borders of Moldova – would pose a direct threat to the constitutional order and statehood of the country, – indicated in the strategy.
The second threatening factor is hybrid attacks from Russia , the third — Russian troops and military formations of the unrecognized PMR located on the territory of Moldova.
Now watching
The document notes that these three threats together constitute an “existential threat” for Moldova.
Repelling an enemy attack
In order to confront the “existential” and other threats, the strategy outlines a specific plan of action. Thus, one of the tasks is to improve Moldova’s performance in the Global fire power ranking. This is a ranking of the total military power of each country in the world. In 2024, Moldova took 144th place in it. Out of 145. Only Bhutan has a worse indicator. According to the strategy, by 2029 Moldova should rise by five positions, and by 2034 – by 10.
In order to improve the country’s position in the ranking, it is planned to complete the renewal of outdated equipment. There are currently 12 renovated military infrastructure projects in Moldova. The strategy assumes that by 2029 there will be 18 of them, and by 2034 – 25.
In addition, it is recommended to improve training in the military field. Also, according to the strategy, at least one new military camp should appear in Moldova by 2029, and at least two new military camps by 2034.
The strategy also involves increasing the number of people remaining in military service.
The strategy also sets the task of increasing the level of public confidence in the army. Now, according to the Public Opinion Barometer, the army is in seventh place in the trust rating, but in 2029 it should be in the top 3.
For this purpose, defense funding will be increased to 1% of GDP per year.
Priority is the sky
One of the priorities of national defense is the protection of the skies, since during the full-scale war in Ukraine, fragments of missiles and drones repeatedly fell on the territory of Moldova, and Russian missiles violated Moldova’s air borders. In this regard, the authorities are seriously thinking about creating an air defense (air defense) system in Moldova.
The defense strategy involves the gradual provision of special equipment, infrastructure development, personnel training, maintenance and logistics support to protect the airspace of Moldova.
— Particular attention will be paid to the development of an integrated system of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of performing a wide range of missions, the strategy notes.
NATO
The document states that in the current global political situation, NATO is a “stronghold of stability”. The strategy particularly highlighted the tendency of some European countries to abandon neutrality. But they added that Moldova respects its neutrality status, but this does not contradict cooperation with military partners.
The strategy states that Moldova is currently participating in 18 NATO programs.
100% integration into the EU
Moldova’s participation in EU peacekeeping and civilian missions is expected to increase from two to three. This is expected to be completed by 2034.
By 2029, it is expected that Moldova will conduct at least one joint military exercise with EU countries per year, and by 2034 two such joint exercises.
It is also assumed that by 2034 Moldova will sign at least two more military memorandums with the EU.
It is noted that by 2034 Moldova should be 100% integrated into the EU military structures.
