**Russia Exploits Moldova’s Weak Air Defenses**
Moldova has become a route for Russian missiles and drones targeting Ukraine. Last month, a missile traveled 140 kilometers through Moldovan and Romanian airspace before falling in western Ukraine without causing damage.
This is not an isolated incident. In November, three Russian drones crashed in Moldova. The country’s vulnerability to these attacks stems from its lack of modern air defenses. Romania has responded cautiously, but Moldova’s military struggles with outdated systems that are no longer effective.
**Moldova’s Air Defense**
Moldova’s air defense capabilities are limited and outdated. The country still possesses a single S-125 surface-to-air missile regiment, which was sold off in the 2010s. Even basic detection equipment has been lacking, with Moldova acquiring its first modern radar only last December.
Currently, Moldova relies on 28 ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns and 11 S-60 cannons for air defense. These systems are from the late 1950s. The country also has six MiG-29 fighters in storage, unsold since the 1990s.
**Russia Takes Advantage**
Defense Express reports that Russia takes advantage of Moldova’s weak air defenses when planning routes for missile and drone strikes. This recurring issue highlights Moldova’s inability to secure its skies despite its relatively small size of 33,846 km².
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