Russian drone transits Moldovan airspace in 14-minute incursion
An unidentified drone entered Moldovan airspace early Monday morning, August 24, crossing the country's southern territory during overnight Russian air strikes against neighboring Ukraine.
The aircraft flew over national territory for approximately 14 minutes, prompting aviation authorities to temporarily close airspace in the southern sector for 15 minutes as a safety precaution.
Flight path and border transit
Air surveillance radar first detected the drone at 05:55 entering from Vinohradivka in Ukraine's Odesa region, heading toward the city of Vulcănești.
The aircraft exited Moldovan airspace at 06:09 near Pașcani in Cahul district, continuing its trajectory toward Romania in the vicinity of Vădești.
Repeated border incursions
The incident marks the second airspace violation in less than a week. On August 20, fragments of a Russian-designed Geran-type unmanned aerial vehicle were recovered near Giurgiulești, also in Cahul district.
On-site investigations from the August 20 crash identified two impact craters measuring 1.2x1.15 meters and 3.7x3.9 meters with a depth of 55 centimeters. Investigators recovered engine components and metal fragments resulting from a warhead detonation nearby.
According to National Army data, unauthorized aircraft and drones have violated Moldovan airspace nearly 70 times since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
