Norway approves direct defense exports to Moldova
Norway has authorized direct defense material exports to the Republic of Moldova, allowing Norwegian manufacturers to supply military equipment to Chișinău for the first time, the Norwegian government announced on Tuesday.
The decision reflects growing regional security concerns and the urgent need to bolster Moldova’s defense capabilities against sustained Russian hybrid warfare operations. Previously, Moldova could receive Norwegian defense equipment only indirectly via the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.
Direct military sales cleared
The policy covers Category A and Category B military equipment. This includes lethal weapons and munitions, such as artillery systems, firearms, missiles, and ammunition, alongside non-lethal assets including military transport vehicles, radar units, encrypted communications gear, flight simulators, and defense-related software.
“Since 2022, Norway has provided approximately 2.5 billion Norwegian kroner (€231 million) in civilian support to Moldova through the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine,” the Norwegian government said in an official statement. “The government now intends to support Moldova militarily. Any military support from Norway will be funded through the regular defense budget, not through the Nansen Support Programme.”
Strict licensing criteria
Shipments will not proceed automatically. Each transaction will require Norwegian companies to apply for export permits through the Norwegian Directorate for Export Control and Sanctions (DEKSA), undergoing rigorous case-by-case scrutiny.
Exports will be restricted exclusively to Moldovan state authorities as the certified end-user. Oslo confirmed that it will apply the same stringent verification procedures established for defense exports to Ukraine.
“Although there is no imminent risk of armed conflict in the Republic of Moldova, the country is exposed to extensive hybrid activities from Russia aimed at undermining its democratically elected authorities and its European path,” the Norwegian executive said. “It serves the security interests of Moldova, Norway, and Europe as a whole that Moldova can acquire defense equipment from Norwegian firms.”
Chișinău welcomes modernization boost
Moldova’s Ministry of Defense welcomed the decision, describing it as a decisive contribution to regional stability and national military modernization.
“The assistance announced today represents another important step in advancing our defense modernization drive in support of peace, stability, and citizen safety,” said the institution headed by Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi, adding that Chișinău remains committed to deepening bilateral defense cooperation with Oslo.
Norwegian total assistance to the Republic of Moldova from 2022 to the end of 2026 is projected at 2.5 billion kroner, or approximately 4.68 billion Moldovan lei (€231 million). This assistance has historically targeted energy diversification, education, democratic reforms, and humanitarian assistance for Ukrainian refugees, with 350 million kroner allocated for stability and European integration programs in 2026.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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