European Union ambassadors on April 9 will green-light the bloc’s second and biggest lethal military aid package to Moldova, worth €20 million, IPN reports.

The bloc's diplomats are expected to give the go-ahead for the provision of financial aid for the subsequent purchase of eight short-range air defense systems consisting of approximately eight launchers and approximately 24 missiles, RFE/RL reports.

The aid will be implemented by the Estonian Center for Defense Investments, which supplied Chisinau with military equipment in 2024 as well. The purpose of the initiative is to "improve the performance and operational effectiveness of the Moldovan Armed Forces by replacing outdated Soviet-era equipment."

It should be noted that the European Union previously only provided "non-lethal" aid, such as military vehicles, aerial surveillance and equipment to enhance cybersecurity. Last year's support was worth €9 million and consisted of short-range interceptors of air defense systems.

The €60 million combined is the largest yearly amount heading to Moldova since Brussels started this type of support in 2021.

The other package, worth €40 million, is what the bloc calls nonlethal military aid. Of that sum, half will pay for an estimated 33 high-mobility tactical vehicles to replace old Soviet-type armored vehicles. The other half is for what is called a short-range air-defense tactical integration system, essentially allowing the launchers and missiles provided in the "lethal" package to function smoothly.

The total EU aid for Moldova will now reach €197 million, all coming under the European Peace Facility (EPF). After Ukraine, Moldova is the second largest recipient of military aid from the bloc.