Moldova to Increase the Size of Its Army

The current structure of the National Army no longer fully meets the security threats and challenges facing the Republic of Moldova. Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii made the statement on Jurnal TV, agora.md reports. The army previously had an authorized strength of more than 9,000 military personnel. Over time, however, this was reduced to 6,500 service members and 2,000 civilian employees. “Based on all the assessments of the force structure we need and the capabilities required in the context of military reform, the Army of the Republic of Moldova needs to be larger,” the defense minister said. Today, October 8, Parliament approved a new structure for the National Army. Lawmakers made their decision in light of the current dangers and threats facing Moldova. Nosatii did not specify how much the army’s size would increase, noting that the figure would be made public after the relevant decision was approved. It should be recalled that on the evening of October 7, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu announced that lawmakers would consider a draft document concerning the overall structure and personnel strength of the National Army at a closed session on October 8. The document contains information classified as a state secret. Access to the discussion is restricted, with only MPs and a very limited number of parliamentary secretariat staff permitted in the chamber.