Lithuania hands over thermal imaging sights to Moldova

2 August, 2024 Minister of Defense of Lithuania Laurynas Kasciunas and Minister of Defense of Moldova Anatolie Nosatii. August 1, 2024. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Moldova

Lithuania handed over a batch of thermal imaging sights to the Moldovan army as part of security assistance. This took place during an official visit to Chisinau by Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kasciunas. The press service of the Lithuanian Defense Ministry reported on this.

Thermal imaging sights provide the possibility to detect targets in the dark or in difficult weather conditions. "Lithuania has supported, supports and will continue to support Moldova in the defense sector. Given the current security situation, Lithuania is ready not only to maintain its support, but also to increase it.

We commit ourselves not with words, but with concrete actions, and the thermal imaging sights handed over to Moldova only confirm this," Kasciunas said.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas and Moldovan Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii during the transfer of thermal imaging sights. August 1, 2024. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Moldova

The manufacturer does not disclose the exact number of thermal imaging sights and their model.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense noted that the country had consistently supported reforms of the Moldovan army and had contributed to strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces not only through expert advice and the exchange of best practices in cyber or strategic communications. Military support, in particular, contributes to strengthening Moldova's resilience and closer bilateral defense cooperation. The Minister of Defense of Moldova, Anatolie Nosatii, noted that his country continued to strengthen cooperation with Lithuania by implementing new projects aimed at creating a modern, equipped and trained army capable of overcoming security challenges.

"We very much hope that Lithuania will continue to support our European path, efforts to strengthen cooperation with international organizations and ensure peace and security in our region," the minister said. During the visit, they emphasized the importance of continuing the reforms launched by Moldova. After Russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, cooperation between Lithuania and Moldova has only intensified.

The ministers stated that both countries would continue active bilateral cooperation and military support.

HMMWV of the National Army of Moldova.

Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Moldova

In July, the Moldovan National Army received 20 HMMWVs from the United States.