The Defense Ministry’s intention to buy eight warplanes and eight military helicopters is a plausible, but risky one for Moldova. “Our country should have a well-equipped army, but the intention to purchase that aircraft in the current conditions of economic instability can be considered a hindrance to resolving the Transnistrian conflict,” political expert Veaceslav Berbeca stated for Info-Prim Neo. According to the expert, Moldova needs a not very large, but well-trained and well-equipped army. He said he was categorically against the country’s demilitarization as Moldova’s position in the context of the European area is rather dangerous. However, Veaceslav Berbeca believes that the Defense Ministry’s intention to buy the military aircraft with the aim of securing the country’s airspace may be regarded by the Transnistrian administration as bothersome. Eight warplanes and eight military helicopters will be purchased from the state budget for defending the state border. The costs are assessed at US$240 million. A bill to this effect was put forward by the Defense Ministry and was passed by Parliament in first reading.