Sandu Pledges Air-Defense Investment, Urges Moldova-Ukraine-Romania Threat-Sharing

Speaking at Moldova's 35th Independence Day celebrations on August 27 alongside the presidents of Ukraine and Romania, President Maia Sandu said "Moldova is investing in air defense to develop the capabilities needed to protect its population and critical infrastructure," and called for Moldova, Ukraine and Romania to strengthen cooperation and threat-information sharing to protect their airspace. As a neutral, non-NATO state, Moldova currently lacks the capability to shoot down intruding drones itself, unlike NATO neighbours Romania and Bulgaria, which have intercepted Russian drones over their own territory during 2026. No specific systems, timeline or funding figures were disclosed.