Moldova to receive Roshel tactical armoured personnel carriers under major EU-funded EPF procurement implemented by Estonia’s ECDI

Moldova to receive Roshel tactical armoured personnel carriers under major EU-funded EPF procurement implemented by Estonia’s ECDI

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

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Moldova to receive Roshel tactical armoured personnel carriers under major EU-funded EPF procurement implemented by Estonia’s ECDI

Photo: Moldovan Ministry of Defence.

Moldova will acquire more than 100 tactical armoured personnel carriers from Canadian defence company Roshel under a European Union-funded procurement. The Ministry of Defence of Moldova, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments and Roshel signed the contract as part of support provided through the European Peace Facility.

The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments is acting as an implementing agency of the European Peace Facility. The total cost of the project exceeds €50 million and is fully funded through a financial contribution under the EPF assistance package.

The acquisition is part of the 2022-2025 assistance package aimed at strengthening the mobility and transport capabilities of Moldova’s National Army. Deliveries of the armoured vehicles are planned to be completed by May 2027.

The Moldovan Ministry of Defence said the procurement will support the modernisation of the country’s defence sector. It also said the vehicles will help improve training, interoperability, institutional resilience and alignment with European standards.

During a meeting with representatives of the implementing company, Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatîi thanked them for their receptiveness and openness. He highlighted the importance of consistent European Union support for strengthening the defence capabilities of the Republic of Moldova.

 

 

“A modern and strong National Army means peace and security for the country, and the European Union continues to support us on this path, including through the European Peace Facility. This acquisition will contribute to the modernization of the training process, increasing the interoperability of forces, enhancing institutional resilience and gradually aligning with European standards.”

“It is another essential step towards the modernization of the defense sector and a clear signal of the EU’s commitment to the security and stability of our country,” said Minister Nosatîi. The project adds to a wider programme of EU-backed support for Moldova’s defence capabilities.

“We are grateful that, as the contracting authority, we have the opportunity to contribute so extensively with our knowledge and experience to strengthening international security, and thereby also to increase our own procurement capabilities,” said Elmar Vaher, Director General of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments. Vaher noted that the procurement is one of the largest external support projects directed to Moldova.

ECDI said the project will significantly increase Moldova’s military defence capability. It also said the procurement will take the mobility and combat capability of Moldova’s armed forces to a completely new level.

“The impact of the procurement extends beyond Moldova, as more broadly this is an investment in European security as a whole,” Vaher added. Since 2022, ECDI has been the main implementing body for EPF assistance packages to Moldova.

With EPF funding, ECDI has procured various military equipment for Moldova. This support has helped strengthen logistics, mobility, command and control systems, communications and surveillance systems.

Roshel CEO Roman Shimonov said the agreement was more than a vehicle delivery. “It is a contribution to Moldova’s long-term security, resilience, and modernisation of its defence capabilities.”

“We are honoured that the Moldovan Ministry of Defence and ECDI have entrusted Roshel with this task through the EPF and a transparent international procurement process. As a Canadian company, we are proud to support our partners in enhancing their readiness when they are needed most,” he said.