EU announces air defence support for Moldova

The European Union announced on Monday support worth 120 million euros, with the source giving a dollar equivalent of $137 billion, to strengthen Moldova's air defences against drone threats linked to Russia's war on Ukraine.

The EU said the measure would finance a mid-range air defence system for Moldova's armed forces.

Moldovan authorities said last month that a drone crashed and exploded in the east of the country. Moldova borders Ukraine. The incident followed drone explosions in Romania, an EU and NATO member that borders both Moldova and Ukraine.

Moldova has had its airspace breached dozens of times since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. President Maia Sandu has said Moldova needs stronger anti-drone and jamming systems.

Moldova, a former Soviet republic that wants to join the EU, has accused Russia of heavy interference in its politics and fears it could become a target for Moscow.