Moldova Approves New Military Strategy for 2025-2035, Prioritizing Modernization and European Alignment

Government Adopts Long-Term Defense Plan

On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Moldovan government approved the Military Strategy of the Republic of Moldova for 2025–2035. This comprehensive document outlines the nation's defense priorities for the next decade, focusing on significant modernization and strengthening of its armed forces. The strategy aims to transform the military into a modern, professional, well-equipped, and trained institution capable of defending the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi stated that the strategy defines long-term military security policies, identifies military threats and risks, and specifies the role of the armed forces in achieving national security and defense objectives.

Key Objectives and Strategic Pillars

The newly approved strategy encompasses 18 priority areas designed for the comprehensive development of Moldova's armed forces. Central to its vision is a program of technological modernization, strengthening defense capabilities, and bringing the army in line with European and international standards. The document explicitly states that the development of military capabilities will adhere to the principle of Moldova's neutrality and its exclusively defensive security policy.

Among the main objectives highlighted are:

• Modernization and standardization of the armed forces.
• Strengthening operational capabilities.
• Integration into the European security architecture.
• Increasing interoperability with external partners.
• Enhancing inter-institutional collaboration with national defense forces.

The strategy also prioritizes specific capabilities, including air surveillance and defense, intelligence, cyber defense, electronic warfare, and special operations forces.

Increased Investment and Personnel Expansion

To support these ambitious goals, the Moldovan government plans a gradual increase in budget allocations for defense. Projected financial allocations for national defense are set to reach approximately 1.74 billion lei annually for 2025-2027, corresponding to 0.5%, 0.4%, and 0.4% of GDP, respectively. The strategy stipulates that, starting in 2029, allocations should amount to at least 0.95% of GDP, and by 2034, at least 1% of GDP.

Furthermore, the strategy envisions an increase in military personnel, gradually reaching 8,500 military personnel and 2,000 civilian personnel by 2030. This marks an expansion from the current parliamentary decree limiting personnel numbers to 6,500 military personnel.

Context and Official Statements

Prime Minister Dorin Recean underscored the government's commitment to investing in the National Army. He noted that 'whenever decisions on national defense are made, 'hysterical voices' appear that have kept this sphere 'in poverty and disorder'.' Recean emphasized the goal to 'invest primarily in people and in the National Army of the Republic of Moldova,' asserting that those who wish to keep the army weak 'benefits an aggressor state.' He also drew a comparison to the Kremlin's military spending, stating that 'every third dollar from the Kremlin's budget goes to killing children, young people and civilians in Ukraine.'

The strategy's approval comes amidst a complex regional security environment, with Moldova seeking to adapt its defense capabilities to current risks, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. While maintaining its constitutional neutrality, Moldova continues to strengthen cooperation with international partners, including the European Union and through programs like NATO's Partnership for Peace.