Moldova needs € 250 million to modernize its armed forces.

Valeriu Mija, Secretary of State for Defence Policy and National Army Reform in the Ministry of Defence, announced this, Reuters reports.

It is noted that the modernization of the army is necessary amid the background of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“The starting point for a change in public opinion towards the development of the defense sector was naturally the shock of February 2022. In other words, the period of romanticism with the dream of eternal peace has ended, and a different approach is needed,” the official said.

According to him, €250 million are needed to modernize the Armed Forces of Moldova.

Valeriu Mija noted that this year, the country should receive € 87 million from the European Peace Fund, as well as the budget increase by € 80 million.

“There are other figures that cannot be disclosed publicly, including due to commercial secrets. For example, the purchase of air defense systems was not a priority until quite recently, but the events of last year forced us to reconsider our opinion, and this will require funds,” the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Moldova shared.

Previously, Anatolie Nosatîi, Minister of Defense of Moldova, reported that the country plans to build a modern military base near Chisinau to train the armed forces personnel.

The construction of the new base will last between three and five years. Funds for its creation will be allocated from the country’s state budget.

“This regards developing from scratch the infrastructure that would allow the deployment of a military unit in accordance with modern standards. We want those willing to serve in the national army to have decent working conditions with modern classrooms, training equipment, and gymnasiums. We want good conditions for placing the equipment, which we will receive soon,” the Minister explained.

The European Union and NATO are actively assisting the armed forces and the entire security sector of Moldova.

At the beginning of this year, the Moldovan army received 19 Piranha armored personnel carriers from Germany. The equipment arrived as part of the capabilities modernization of the national army and on the basis of an agreement signed between Moldova and Germany in October 2021.