Chisinau – At a two‑day international security forum on Oct. 9, Igor Grosu, chairman of Moldova’s parliament and second‑ranking official in the nation’s hierarchy, said the pro‑European government will seek changes to the law that would allow Moldova to produce its own weapons. The move is presented as a necessary step to protect the country’s airspace and to support civilian needs such as emergency response and agriculture.
Legislative change aimed at self‑reliance
Grosu explained that the proposed amendments focus on “dual‑use” systems – technology that can serve both military and civilian purposes. Drones were highlighted as a primary example, with the parliament leader noting their value for national security, disaster relief and farming operations. “I would very much like for us to produce them for ourselves. We need them, particularly for dual‑use purposes,” he told reporters.
No plans to supply Ukraine
When asked whether the new weapons might be sent to Ukraine, which has been fighting Russia for over four years, Grosu responded emphatically, “Of course not! Why would we? We would produce them for ourselves.” The statement underscores Moldova’s official stance that any domestically produced arms will remain within its borders.
Context of a vulnerable security environment
Moldova sits between Ukraine and the EU member state Romania, and the war next door has increasingly spilled over its airspace. Authorities say Russian‑linked drones and missiles have entered Moldovan skies, with debris falling on its territory. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the parliament reported 88 documented air‑space violations.
Grosu warned that the country cannot “provide this defence overnight” and that decades of under‑funded defence have left Moldova ill‑prepared. He called for a comprehensive build‑up that includes radar systems, modern equipment, trained personnel, reliable communications, and robust infrastructure.
Government’s broader strategic goals
President Maia Sandu’s administration, which aims to join the European Union by 2030, has been vocal in condemning Moscow’s aggression. At the same forum, Sandu described Moldova’s regional position as “vulnerable” and identified domestic defence production as a cornerstone of future security planning. She indicated that the legislative proposals would be submitted to parliament soon.
Implications for Moldova’s defence posture
If approved, the legal changes could pave the way for a modest domestic defence industry, reducing reliance on foreign arms purchases and enhancing national sovereignty. While the initiative is framed as a defensive measure, it also signals Moldova’s intent to align more closely with Western security standards, a stance that may further distance the country from Russian influence.
Critics outside the country have warned that any increase in arms production could destabilize the delicate balance in the region. However, Moldovan officials stress that the focus remains strictly on protecting their own citizens and supporting civilian applications.
Looking ahead
The parliamentary debate is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as lawmakers weigh the costs, technical feasibility, and potential partnerships for domestic weapons manufacturing. For a nation that has long struggled with limited defence funding, the proposal marks a significant shift toward self‑reliance and a clearer articulation of its security priorities.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
