Nosatii on Drones: Detection Is Not Enough, You Need to Have Tools to Defend Yourself

The second radar that Moldova is acquiring to protect its airspace should be operational in the first half of 2026, according to Defense Minister Anatol Nosatii. Recall in 2023 Moldova received a radar from France worth €14 million, according to tvrmoldova.md. “We have begun training the personnel who will operate it. If you ask me whether one radar is enough, I would say no, even two are not enough. Each has its own purpose, but I would like to note that one complements the other, and the ability to detect and monitor airspace is increased, which gives us better capabilities. Any investment contributes to improving the state of defense, and we become more resilient,” said Nosatii, specifying that the radar system will be purchased with EU funds as part of the “Initiative for Peace”. The minister added that there are currently more than 20 Soviet-era radars remaining in Moldova, operating at minimum power. “They are designed for other purposes. We can see airplanes in Crimea, but we cannot see drones at an altitude of 100 meters because they are not designed for that. The problem is how to keep them in working order: there are no more spare parts for them, and their technical capabilities are diminishing with each passing year. They cannot be repaired; our colleagues in Romania tried, but it is not worth it,” said the minister. According to him, the radar previously purchased by the National Army detected six drones flying over the airspace of the Republic of Moldova. “When we talk about defense, it is not enough just to detect – you need to have something to defend yourself with. We have taken some measures and will continue to do so. We have purchased portable air defense systems. The personnel have been trained. The systems are different, and there are differences in their operation, range, speed and distance. We will continue to make purchases so that we have enough to protect our citizens and our facilities.”