Anatoly Nosaty
The government has approved the 2026–2030 Implementation Program for the Republic of Moldova’s National Defense Strategy for 2024–2034. The document provides for the modernization of the national defense system and its adaptation to new security challenges.
In its analysis of the current security situation, the Ministry of Defense notes that the international order is undergoing a transformation that is affecting the existing balance of power at both the global and regional levels.
“The European security architecture will continue to undergo an accelerated process of transformation driven by the war in Ukraine and its implications for regional stability,” the document states.
The War in Ukraine Is Changing Approaches to Defense
The Ministry of Defense notes that the war in Ukraine has forced European states to reconsider their defense strategies and devote more attention to developing their own military capabilities.
In the case of the Republic of Moldova, the authorities consider it necessary to update the concept of territorial defense and develop a comprehensive approach that will bring together government agencies, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders.
“Cooperation between government agencies within the national defense system, representatives of civil society, and other relevant stakeholders involved in strengthening military resilience and, if necessary, national resistance, is becoming the foundation of national defense planning,” the document notes.
According to the ministry’s assessment, the consequences of the war in Ukraine will continue to affect European security for an extended period, even after the conflict officially ends. The search for sustainable peaceful solutions will become one of the main challenges for the international security agenda.
Global military spending has reached record levels
One of the key factors influencing the development of defense policy is the rise in global military spending. According to the Ministry of Defense, in 2024, European countries’ defense spending rose by 17% to $693 billion.
NATO member states collectively allocated $1.506 trillion to defense, and 18 of the alliance’s 32 countries reached the 2% of GDP spending target.
The largest defense budgets in 2024 belonged to the United States ($997 billion), China ($314 billion), the Russian Federation ($149 billion), Germany ($108 billion), and India ($84 billion).
The Ministry of Defense also notes that, starting in 2025, NATO proposed a policy to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
Moldova to Modernize Its Defense System by 2030
The Republic of Moldova plans to establish a modern national defense system by 2030, based on professional personnel and capabilities commensurate with current security risks.
The government-approved Program for Implementing the National Defense Strategy for 2026–2030 calls for the modernization of military equipment, the development of infrastructure, the improvement of personnel training, and the strengthening of cooperation with external partners.
Defense Minister Anatoliy Nosaty stated that the implementation of the program is an important step toward adapting the country’s defense system to new challenges.
“Through nationwide efforts and concrete actions, we will enhance the country’s resilience, more effectively counter hybrid threats, and ensure the protection of democratic values and a safe environment for our citizens,” said Anatolie Nosaty.
According to the program, the reform of the defense system will include modernizing the armed forces, improving interoperability with international partners, adapting military doctrines, and strengthening crisis response mechanisms.
As Logos Press previously reported, the Republic of Moldova plans to increase defense spending to 1% of GDP by 2030. Currently, defense spending stands at about 0.58–0.65% of GDP, which is significantly higher than the 2020 figure of about 0.3%.
