A total of 19 vehicles will be provided from industry stocks. The Federal Government funds the Piranha to modernise the defence capabilities of Moldova. The first three vehicles were handed over to the Moldovan armed forces in Chișinău. The remaining 16 will be delivered in the course of this year.
„Together, we are strengthening the armed forces of Moldova. The quick delivery of the first vehicles is a great example of the effective cooperation between our two countries. Thanks to the Piranha, Moldova will be able to cooperate more closely with armed forces of other nations, especially in the context of UN peacekeeping operations. As a close and reliable partner, Germany continues to stand firmly by Moldova as the country modernises and enhances its military capabilities,” said Christine Lambrecht, German minister of defence.
During her visit to Chișinău in early October, Minister Lambrecht announced the intensification of relations with Moldova.
The Piranha delivery forms part of a bilateral agreement that was signed during the visit. The vehicles will replace older models used in the Moldovan peacekeeping battalion.
The defence cooperation between Germany and Moldova dates back to 2003 when both countries signed an agreement on military cooperation.
Last month, Moldova’s parliament extended the state of emergency in the country by a further 60 days starting December 6 under a proposal by the government, local media reported. The state of emergency was first introduced on February 24 when Russia launched its invasion of neighbouring Ukraine to ensure the security of energy supplies, to manage migration of refugees from the war and to offset security risks.
