Valery Pleshka, the Moldavan defense minister, said a new communications system would be used by the army next spring because the existing system had become obsolete, requiring excessive funds for upkeep and repair.
In addition, the defense ministry plans to modernize its air defense system in 2006.
"The transition of some permanent combat readiness units to a contract recruitment system will also require substantial spending," the minister said. "The modern world dictates the necessity to make a gradual transition to this method of recruitment."
"We developed a program of structural optimization for the units and the administrative bodies of the National Army to make it more effective and efficient," Pleshka said.
"This [modernization] process will be carried out gradually and will be synchronized with the program of structural optimization for the units and the administrative bodies of the National Army," the minister said. "By the end of restructuring in January 2009, the central administrative bodies will comprise only 3% of the overall number of military personnel. About 50% of military personnel will serve in land forces and 19% in logistics support units."
Moldova's 2005 defense budget totaled $9.2 million, or 0.4% of the GDP.
The bulk of the defense budget goes to service pay, provision of food and uniforms for military personnel, and payment of communal services.
