Moldovan president says drones represent real threat, country strengthens defense for citizens' protection

The security of the citizens is the authorities' priority, President Maia Sandu has said when asked by journalists to comment on the recent cases of drones flying over the airspace of Moldova. The head of state assured that authorities were investing in radars and necessary equipment to detect drones. At the same time, discussions are held with international partners on technologies that can protect the  country's airspace.

In a press conference following the meeting of the National Security Council (CNS), President Maia Sandu criticized politicians who manipulate public opinion on the subject of drones detected on the territory of Moldova.

“Drones represent a threat and I regret that there are citizens who fall into the trap of lies,” said the head of state, emphasizing that misinformation endangers the authorities' ability to protect the population.

Maia Sandu noted that authorities were working together with international partners to develop detection and anti-aircraft defense systems meant to counter these risks.

“There are no magical solutions. Maybe they exist on Facebook, but in reality, they don't. We are investing in radars and necessary equipment to detect drones and are discussing with partners on technologies that can protect our airspace,” the president said.

The head of state stressed that the security of the citizens was the main priority of the authorities, in the context of the ongoing war initiated by Russia in Ukraine.

“I urge you not to spread lies and not to mislead people, as it will be harder to protect them,” Maia Sandu said, while condemning the actions of the Russian Federation for violating the airspace of Moldova and other European states.

 

On the night of December 2, the activity of the Giurgiulesti–Reni border crossing was temporarily suspended after Moldovan authorities had been informed about a drone attack on the city of Bolgrad, in southern Ukraine.

On November 25, a drone crashed in an orchard in the locality of Cuhurestii de Jos, northern Floresti district, on the roof of the guard's house. On the same day, the Border Police announced that a Shahed-type drone flew over the national airspace in the south of Moldova. The device was detected by the Ministry of Defense's Air Operations Service in the direction of Vinogradovca–Vulcanesti, after which it headed towards the border with Romania, in the area between the localities of Colibasi and Vadul lui Isac, later crossing into Romanian airspace.