EU to hand over drone interception equipment to Moldova

The European Union will provide Moldova with equipment to intercept drones. EU Ambassador to Chisinau Janis Mazeiks announced this on Radio Moldova. He noted that the relevant decision was made in Brussels.

At the same time, he said, it will take time to provide the equipment. He could not name a specific date but noted that the equipment would arrive in Moldova no earlier than 2025. "If this equipment is delivered to the Republic of Moldova, it will help prevent situations where drones from abroad penetrate the territory of the Republic of Moldova," emphasized Majeix.

Illustrative image of Shahed 136.

Image from open sources

It is not yet known what kind of equipment is involved. It could be electronic warfare (EW) equipment or other systems. It is worth recalling that the European Union and Moldova signed a security partnership agreement in May of this year, which is called the first such document for the EU.

This partnership is intended to strengthen the country's resilience and allow it to respond to security challenges together with the European Union. The report suggests that the equipment in question is primarily equipment that can help intercept Shahed-136/Geranium-2 and other types of drones that Russia has been using to attack Ukraine. During these attacks, Russian UAVs and cruise missiles have repeatedly violated the borders of neighboring countries, including Moldova.

Russian Parodiya decoy drone on the territory of Moldova.

10.11.2024. Photo credits: Police of Moldova

In November, a Russian Parodiya decoy drone was discovered on the territory of the country, which the Russians use to divert Ukrainian air defense fire from Geranium-2 kamikaze drones.

Ground Master GM200, 2018.

Photo credits: Thales

In 2023, Moldova received a French three-coordinate medium-range Ground Master 200 radar from Thales Group to enhance air defense awareness.

The radar can detect air targets at a distance of up to 250 kilometers and at an altitude of up to 24 kilometers.

This year, the Moldovan Ministry of Defense ordered a Czech passive radar system from ERA.