Defense Minister: EU-supported radar system will be operational by mid-2026
The Republic of Moldova is working to acquire a second modern radar system to improve airspace monitoring. Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi announced that this radar will be funded by European resources and is expected to be operational in the first half of next year.
The official stated, during the show “Cabinet din umbra" on Jurnal TV, that the acquisition of the first radar, in 2013, improved the situation. Still, another one is needed to identify dangerous targets entering the national airspace.
Nosatîi states that even a small space, such as the Republic of Moldova, cannot be monitored effectively with technical limitations, noting that “a bigger umbrella can protect you more than a small one”.
The minister said that the radar equipped by the Ministry of Defense detected the six drones that most recently flew over the country’s airspace. The official reiterated, in this context, the warnings sent to the population not to touch the aircraft or their remains identified on the ground, as they can be dangerous. And, as soon as they notice them, to alert the authorities.
As for the remaining radars from the Soviet period, the minister said that there are over 20, but they operate at minimum capacity. Spare parts for them are no longer available, and investments in their repair are not justified, as confirmed by specialists From Romania.
Giving the example of Austria and Switzerland, two European states that maintain their neutrality, the Minister of Defense pleaded for the Republic of Moldova to join the European SkyShield initiative, for joint air defense acquisitions.
"It is not enough to detect, you have to have something to defend yourself with", Nosatîi mentioned, concluding that the authorities will continue to replenish the equipment and train the country's military.
We recall that six drones crossed the territory of the Republic of Moldova without authorization on November 25 in the context of the attacks on Ukraine. The National Army's surveillance systems detected them, and one of the drones fell onto the roof of a house in Cuhurestii de Jos, Floresti district. Later, a resident discovered a similar drone, a Gerbera-type, in Pepeni commune, Sângerei district, and the case became known on December 3.
The radar purchased in 2023 was brought from France and, according to some sources, would cost around 14 million euros. The estimated cost of the second radar is around 20 million euros, and the acquisition is possible through the European Peace Facility (EPF).
