Defense Minister: Aircraft that caused explosion in Crocmaz is Russian propulsion drone

The aircraft that caused an explosion in the locality of Crocmaz is, according to preliminary analyses, a Russian propulsion drone, which is a more advanced model than the drones that previously landed or exploded on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatîi made the statement after the cabinet meeting.

The official stressed that the Russian Federation continues to represent a threat to the state’s military security.

“In recent days we have had two incidents of violation of the national airspace, which represent a danger to our citizens. The case in Crocmaz is obvious; there are eyewitnesses and debris left after the explosion, which caused a fire in the locality. Specialists are in the process of analyzing this object. According to preliminary information, it is a Russian propulsion drone, which is a more advanced model than all the others that previously landed or exploded on the territory of our country. We will present additional details after the exact model is determined,” said Nosatîi.

The minister underlined that these incidents, which occur as a result of the unjustified war waged by the Russian Federation in Ukraine and which endanger the safety of citizens, are proof that the country must continue to invest in the capacities of the National Army in order to ensure the means necessary to identify and neutralize such objects.

“The National Army is currently modernizing its capabilities. The number of radars currently available does not fully ensure surveillance of the national airspace. Therefore, we sometimes have cases that we cannot confirm, depending on the type of drone and its altitude. We are in the process of obtaining the necessary means to shoot down objects that present a danger to national security. Some models have already been purchased and are in the equipment of the National Army. We will continue these actions,” the official remarked.

Anatolie Nosatîi emphasized that the process of modernization and transformation of the National Army is being carried out on the basis of a plan approved by the Government, grounded in strategies supported by Parliament.

“This plan is adjusted according to the changes taking place on the battlefield in Ukraine. We are learning from the lessons of this unjustified war and adapting to the changes that occur. We take into account the good practices used by the Ukrainian side to defend its territory, as well as by neighboring European countries,” the minister pointed out.

In this context, the official called on citizens to be cautious and to follow safety measures when they encounter suspicious objects.

“It is important that when you detect unknown objects, you do not approach them, that you immediately inform the police, and that you make sure no one gets close to them, especially children. I also want to warn citizens about the prohibition of using mobile phones nearby, because the latest generation devices are sensitive to various signals and can trigger an explosion,” concluded Anatolie Nosatîi.

A powerful explosion occurred on Sunday, August 9 of this year, in the locality of Crocmaz, Ștefan Vodă district, after which a vegetation fire broke out. Fragments of an aircraft were discovered at the scene. No person was harmed as a result of the object’s crash and the ensuing fire.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the incident and recalled the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Moscow for consultations.

The institution said “this incident represents a serious violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, which endangered the safety of our citizens.”

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has led, starting in 2022, to a constant increase in incidents of unauthorized overflight of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova and in cases of drone and missile fragments falling on national territory. Since the beginning of the war, 53 incidents have been recorded, of which four in 2022, six in 2023, 10 in 2024, 17 in 2025, and a considerable increase in 2026, with 16 cases of unauthorized overflight of the airspace registered.