Moldavian authorities plan to bring the country’s armed forces into line with NATO standards by the end of 2027. The target is included in the implementation program for the republic’s 2024–2034 National Defense Strategy, approved by the government.

Under the program, the army will receive weapons, military hardware and specialized equipment compatible with systems used by NATO partner countries.

The reform is also intended to move Moldavia closer to the European Union’s security architecture. NATO members are providing financial, advisory and logistical support for the transformation, with Romania playing a particularly prominent role.

Moldavia’s Defense Ministry first announced the phased transition to NATO requirements in early 2026. The initial stage calls for replacing Kalashnikov rifles and other weapons using Soviet and Russian calibers with Western models.

The modernization is proceeding despite Moldavia’s constitutional status as a neutral state.

The former Soviet republic has cooperated with NATO since 1994 through an individual partnership plan. Since pro-Western President Maia Sandu came to power, Moldavia has also regularly hosted joint exercises involving military personnel from the United States, Britain, Germany and Romania.

Rossiyskaya Gazeta noted that adopting NATO standards does not automatically mean joining the alliance. Former socialist bloc countries followed a similar path before becoming members, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and the Baltic states. Several years before accession, they began restructuring their armed forces under common military requirements.

In practice, the Moldavian reform starts with the introduction of STANAG standards. These cover communications, staff planning, medical and engineering support, document management, logistics and the operation of military equipment.

The training system for service personnel will also change. Soldiers and officers will study NATO methods for operational planning, unit command and coordination between different branches of the armed forces.

Regular participation in international military exercises will form another central part of the transition.