EU Extends Military Aid Program for Moldova

The European Union has granted a one-year extension to its military aid program for Moldova, citing unfinished deliveries of non-lethal equipment promised in 2022 to modernize the country’s armed forces. According to the EU Council’s decision, the deadline for the delivery of equipment under the €40 million aid package, initially set for December 17 this year, has been extended until December 2026, Europa Libera reports. Adopted on June 30, 2022, as part of the European Peace Facility (EPF), the package provides for the purchase of logistical and mobile equipment, including 33 tactical off-road vehicles for three infantry brigades of the National Army, as well as systems for the tactical anti-aircraft regiment, including unmanned reconnaissance complexes and tactical communication systems. The EU decision notes that the delivery of “certain types of equipment” for the Moldovan armed forces has been delayed, so the program’s implementation period has been extended. Anti-Drone Defense at the EU Expense In addition to the initial package, in April 2025, the European Union allocated an additional €20 million to Moldova for the purchase of lethal weapons – eight short-range anti-aircraft systems, including launchers and about 24 interceptor missiles. Combined with the airspace surveillance systems and communications equipment from the first package, they are intended to build a unified air defense system, including against drones and other threats. The Estonian Defense Investment Center is responsible for implementing the program. During her April visit to Chisinau, European diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas unveiled the new aid package admitting that “market constraints” exist as many countries are also seeking similar systems. After the onset of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Moldovan authorities repeatedly asked their European partners to provide air defense systems, as drones and missiles launched during Russian attacks on Ukraine had repeatedly crashed on Moldovan territory. The latest such incident occurred on the night of February 12-13, when three Russian drones crashed near the towns of Tomai and Ceadir-Lunga, with one of them exploding near the district hospital in Taraclia. Moldova is the second-largest recipient of military aid from the EU under the European Peace Facility, which has also allocated billions of euros to Ukraine.