"We need long-range systems and equipment that would allow the identification of small targets, including drones, but budgetary limitations do not allow us to provide the necessary defense systems,” Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatyi stated in an interview with IPN News Agency.
The minister noted that the Ground Master 200 radar is medium-range system and a single detection system "is not enough for a full mission on the entire territory of the state."
"If you had asked me three years ago what kind of defense system Moldova needs, the answer would have been obviously different because the security environment is the one that guides us regarding the capabilities needed to ensure the necessary level of defense," said Anatolie Nosatyi.
Furthermore, the official emphasized that the drones have become destructive weapons and are not used for research missions only, as it was in 2022, during the war in the neighboring country.
According to the minister, the drones that fell recently are of different models and are used for different purposes. "The last ones were in the category of those used to distract air defense from drones with explosive charges targeting infrastructure. The previous ones were of the 'Shahed' type. They were armed, with explosives, and posed an increased danger to infrastructure and citizens."
Anatolie Nosatyi has an explanation about how drones end up falling on the territory of the Republic of Moldova: "They are targeting the critical infrastructure in Ukraine to create difficult conditions in winter. The critical infrastructure is located near the border. Therefore, some drones, being jammed, deflect from the targets and reach neighboring countries – Moldova and Romania."
The Moldovan authorities admit that more incidents of drones or projectile debris falling on the territory of the Republic of Moldova can be yet witnessed, as long as there is war in Ukraine. At the same time, the minister warns the citizens to treat any case of this kind with maximum seriousness and responsibility, not to approach drones or their remains, but to notify the competent bodies.
