Two cases of national airspace violations recorded in Moldova in past week; Defence Ministry reiterates need to strengthen air defense capabilities

Two cases of violations of the national airspace were recorded between October 16 and 23. The first incident occurred on the evening of October 16, while the second took place today, October 23. In both cases, the drones crashed to the ground.

According to the Defense Ministry, on October 16, an unmanned aerial vehicle crashed and exploded outside the built-up area of Codrenii Noi, in the direction of Scaieni village, northern Donduseni district.

The second incident was recorded today, October 23, at 13:59, when an unmanned aerial vehicle illegally entered the airspace of Moldova, flying from the direction of Verkhniia Slobidka, Vinnytsia region, Ukraine, toward Frunzeuca, Camenca district, in the Transnistrian region.

At 14:10, the unmanned aerial vehicle disappeared from the airspace monitoring systems near Pepeni, Sangerei district. At 14:12, it briefly reappeared on the screens of the monitoring systems and then disappeared again near Meseni, Rezina district. Subsequently, a citizen notified the police after discovering an aerial vehicle near his home in Chistelnita village, central Telenesti district.

“The Russian Federation’s massive attacks against Ukraine continue with the same intensity and an increased level of devastation, including in residential areas, resulting in civilian deaths, including children. Thus, the heightened level of danger remains valid for the countries in the region, including Moldova. In the context, the defense institution notes that modern equipment for monitoring, detecting and neutralizing air threats is an urgent necessity for strengthening national defense capabilities, as the costs of potential incidents with serious consequences, including for critical infrastructure and the security of citizens, could significantly exceed the investments required to develop these military capabilities in advance,” the Defence Ministry emphasized.

Since the beginning of the current year, 65 incidents involving violations of Moldova’s airspace have been recorded, including 17 in October. From 2022 to the present, the total number of recorded incidents has reached 102.

The Defense Ministry reiterates that any discovery of drones or their fragments must be reported immediately to the authorities, by calling the 112 emergency service. Citizens are also urged not to approach, touch or move suspicious objects.