Moldova needs an army of 8,500 military personnel and 2,000 civilian employees to meet the objectives set out in the country’s defense strategies, Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii said.
The figure was established following analyses and simulations of Moldova’s defense needs, Nosatii said during TVR Moldova’s “Military Podcast.”
The minister noted that the figure of 12,000 military personnel, mentioned in the context of the development of Moldova’s National Army, is documented in parliamentary decisions and legislation.
“These are figures documented through parliamentary decisions and laws that neither I nor you invented. These are figures that are part of the history of our country,” Nosatii said.
At the same time, Nosatii stressed that the authorities do not intend to reach the target of 8,500 military personnel immediately. According to the minister, developing such a force is an objective for the period leading up to 2035, in line with Moldova’s recently approved Military Strategy.
“This figure is the result of certain analyses and war games, including simulations conducted on various platforms using the latest artificial intelligence solutions. But that does not mean we intend to build this army next year,” the minister explained.
Nosatii also addressed defense spending, arguing that Moldova not only has a relatively small army compared with its population, but also one of the lowest levels of defense funding from the national budget.
“Moldova also has the most poorly funded army from the national budget,” the Defense Minister said.