Moldova lacks air defense to shoot down Russian missiles and drones — Defense-Express / The New Voice of Ukraine

Analysts highlighted that on Dec. 25, an X-101 missile flew 140 kilometers through Moldovan and Romanian airspace before re-entering western Ukraine.

Romania, a NATO member, is reluctant to intercept such
targets, while Moldova lacks any functional air defense systems, the report
noted. Experts believe Russia exploits this gap when planning drone and missile
attacks on Ukraine.

Limited air defense assets

The Military Balance 2024 states that Moldova has one
surface-to-air missile regiment with three Soviet-era S-125 launchers. However,
Defense-Express doubts the accuracy of this claim, pointing out reports that
Moldova sold its S-125 systems through offshore deals in the 2010s.

Moldovan forces likely lack operational SAM systems and have
minimal radar capabilities. Only in 2023 did Moldova acquire its first modern
radar system from France’s Thales, possibly a Ground Master 200.

In terms of military air defense, Moldova reportedly operates
just 28 ZU-23-2 guns and 11 S-60 cannons, with no man-portable air defense
systems (MANPADS).

The country’s aviation assets include two An-2 aircraft, six
Mi-8 helicopters, and one Yak-18 trainer aircraft.

Ongoing vulnerabilities

Analysts believe resolving Moldova’s air defense gaps will
take significant time. Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues to exploit these
vulnerabilities, launching missiles and drones into Ukraine via Moldovan
airspace.

During Russia’s massive attack on Ukraine early on Dec. 25, a
missile entered Ukraine’s Chernivtsi region through Moldova’s airspace.
Monitoring channels reported the missile’s 140-kilometer journey across Moldova
and Romania.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned Russia’s violation
of Moldovan airspace. However, Romanian Defense Ministry spokesperson
Constantin Spînu stated that Romania’s air surveillance system “did not detect”
the missile.

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