--- title: "Military expert: Moldovan air defense strained by drone arrivals" url: https://moldova1.md/p/85052/military-expert-moldovan-air-defense-strained-by-drone-arrivals published: 2026-09-10T13:31:00Z language: en author: "Ana Cebotari" section: "Social" source: moldova1.md --- # Military expert: Moldovan air defense strained by drone arrivals > The radar system used by the Republic of Moldova to detect drones is crucial for monitoring its airspace, serving as the "eyes" of the defense system. However, the country still lacks the necessary systems to intercept and neutralize such threats. Military expert Artur Leșcu emphasizes that developing air defense capabilities should be the next priority for the authorities in this context. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/9e875e3c-d016-4c8d-954a-2d75abe53563.jpg) The radar system used by the Republic of Moldova to detect drones is crucial for monitoring its airspace, serving as the "eyes" of the defense system. However, the country still lacks the necessary systems to intercept and neutralize such threats. Military expert Artur Leșcu emphasizes that developing air defense capabilities should be the next priority for the authorities in this context. “*The role of this radar is absolutely crucial. First, we know what is happening above our heads. Without radar, it is impossible to take the second step: to shoot down, if necessary, certain enemy aircraft. Remember, not long ago, everyone, in general, ridiculed this radar, saying that it does not see anything. But, nevertheless, it sees. New types of targets appear that this radar sees. We are talking about new types of drones, which this radar sees very well. So it is very good that we have it, and it would be good to have more of it*”, explained Artur Leșcu, on the “Zi de Zi” show on Radio Moldova. The expert believes the Republic of Moldova should continue equipping the army, with the next priority for the authorities being developing interception capabilities. Possible solutions include ground-based machine guns and portable missile launchers, systems used by several states to counter drones. *"We want not only to see, but also to have what to shoot down such enemy objects with. This is, first of all, possibly machine guns in the field – we already have something of this type – and portable rocket launchers. They are relatively cheap and easier to procure equipment," said Leșcu. The statements come in the context in which incidents with drones near and on the territory of the Republic of Moldova have become increasingly frequent. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan announced that, in August alone, 17 drones entered the country's territory. The most recent incident took place on the night of September 8 to 9, when a Russian attack targeted the Starokazacie checkpoint, in the Odessa region, located approximately one kilometer from the border with the Republic of Moldova. The attack resulted in two deaths and several injuries. Moscow claimed the checkpoint was used for military transports to Ukraine, a claim the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chișinău rejected. Artur Leșcu believes that the attack on a border crossing point, located so close to the Republic of Moldova, represents a major risk, including because of the possibility that the drones could deviate their trajectory and reach the territory of our country. *"The Moldovan side of this crossing point is very close, and a small deviation could cause these drones to fall even on the territory of the Republic of Moldova or even hit the crossing point. It is a civilian target, there are people there, there are personnel there, so it is very serious"*, the expert said on the public radio station. Referring to Moscow's justifications regarding the alleged military use of the attacked infrastructure, Leșcu argues that such statements can serve as a pretext to justify strikes on civilian targets. In his view, Russia also aims to undermine Ukraine's economic capacity. *"Moscow's main goal is to strangle Ukraine economically. These crossing points are valves through which Ukraine's economy resists. But, as I said, it is a civilian objective. There is no military explanation for the attacks on civilian infrastructure,"* the expert commented. Regarding the Republic of Moldova's ability to deal with these incidents, Artur Leșcu also notes a positive aspect: the authorities are monitoring the airspace much better than in the past. At the same time, he says, the army is gradually developing its technical capabilities, but the country is still *"at the beginning of the road"* in terms of defence against air threats. *** We remind you that the Republic of Moldova's first modern radar was purchased from France in December 2023, with the monitoring equipment valued at approximately 14 million euros. The second radar, purchased with the support of the European Union, arrived in the country in May 2026, with a cost of about 20 million euros. ![Artur Leșcu, military expert](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/78bd7a2c-d133-43cb-9025-fb989a1f5636.jpg) *Sursa: Artur Leșcu, military expert*