Key facts
- Moldovan President Maia Sandu has called for the development of high-technology interceptor drones.
- New legislation is required to allow Moldova to develop its arms industry, including drone manufacturing.
- Sandu cited incidents of Russian drones flying over Moldovan territory and debris landing near its borders.
- Moldova is seeking EU membership by 2030 and is constitutionally a neutral state.
- The president proposed public and private partnerships for weapons development and attracting foreign investors.
- Moldova has begun consultations with Ukraine on drone development, leveraging Ukraine's expertise.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has emphasized the urgent need for the country to develop high-technology interceptor drones, citing the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine as a catalyst. Sandu stated that new legislation is necessary to permit the manufacture of such advanced weaponry, as Moldova, a constitutionally neutral state, has experienced numerous incidents involving Russian drones crossing its airspace or debris falling near its borders.