The Government of Moldova has approved a national military strategy for the next ten years, aimed at transforming the armed forces into a modern, professional, and well-equipped structure, officials reported, according to LETA citing TVP.
According to the strategy, the number of military personnel is planned to be increased to 8,500, and defense spending is to be gradually raised to 1% of GDP.
The document also outlines priorities in areas such as cybersecurity, special operations, intelligence, and compatibility with European partners.
Prime Minister Dorin Recean defended this plan, warning that "hysterical voices" would oppose it, which have kept Moldova's defense sector "in poverty and disorder" for years in favor of a "state-aggressor," referring to Russia.
Moscow reacted predictably—with outrage, accusing Moldova of militarization and stating that it is becoming a "rear base for Kyiv."
Despite Russia's long-standing military presence in the breakaway region of Transnistria, active disinformation campaigns against Chișinău, and the war against neighboring Ukraine, the Kremlin now expresses surprise as to why Moldova considers it a threat.
Recean emphasized that Moldova's strategy is purely defensive in nature and aligns with the country's constitutional neutrality.
"We are not buying F-16s," he said. "We are investing in communications, cybersecurity, and resilience."
