The Republic of Moldova could develop its own defence industry and manufacture drones and other military equipment. Authorities are preparing a regulatory framework that would make it easier for state-approved investors to establish businesses in this sector.
The announcement was made by Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation Claudiu Năsui in an interview with RFI.
Asked what Moldova could realistically produce as part of a domestic defence industry, the minister replied: “Everything.” When asked whether that included drones, he confirmed: “Drones as well.”
The minister rejected arguments that developing such an industry would contradict Moldova’s constitutional neutrality. According to him, neutrality does not mean having no capacity for self-defence.
“Being neutral does not mean being harmless. Being neutral does not mean you cannot have a defence industry or be unable to defend yourself when necessary,” Claudiu Năsui said.
The minister explained that authorities are working on a regulatory mechanism that would be “as flexible as possible, but fair”.
The sector will require prior state approval, but procedures are expected to be simplified for investors authorised by the authorities.
The aim is to attract private investment and enable the production of equipment in Moldova, including products intended for military use.