Moldova Acquires Viktor Air-Defense Systems to Counter Shahed Drones

Moldova has strengthened its air defense with Viktor mobile anti-aircraft systems.

The country’s defense minister, Anatolie Nosatîi, published a video showing this weaponry.

These air-defense systems may be useful in countering Russian Shahed and Geran drones.

Such drones periodically violate Moldova’s airspace during attacks on Ukraine.

The released video shows at least four of these systems during firing exercises at a training range.

The mobile MR-2 Viktor anti-aircraft systems are manufactured by the Czech company Excalibur Army. The system is mounted on a Japanese Toyota pickup truck, which has a crew cab in the front and a cargo bed in the rear.

Behind the cab, the vehicle is fitted with a twin anti-aircraft mount equipped with Czech-made KPVT machine guns that use 14.5×114 mm ammunition. The system carries 300 rounds ready to fire, with another 300 rounds in reserve.

The effective firing range exceeds 2 kilometers. The system is equipped with day and night anti-aircraft sights, as well as a sight for direct-fire engagement of ground targets.

The defense minister said that the purchase of the mobile Viktor air-defense systems was made as part of the modernization of the armed forces.

“Thanks to investments in new systems and equipment, the professionalism of the military and the effectiveness of mission execution are increasing,” Anatolie Nosatîi emphasized.

According to him, Moldova will continue to invest in weaponry, training, and infrastructure to modernize the army and ensure the safety of its citizens.

The Viktor anti-aircraft systems are also used by Ukraine’s Defense Forces. The supply of this weaponry was financed by partner countries as part of military aid, as well as by volunteers from the Czech Republic.