Two drones were detected flying through Moldovan airspace on Wednesday, September 30, with one of them crashing and exploding near the village of Hîrbovăț in Anenii Noi district, while the second drone was later detected in the Dubăsari area.
According to Moldova’s Ministry of Defence, the first drone entered Moldovan airspace at around 5:43 a.m. and crashed in an open area near Hîrbovăț, Anenii Noi district, where it exploded.
The incident occurred amid large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine.
Moldova’s integrated national airspace monitoring system detected the flight, while Police and National Army teams were dispatched to the scene to investigate the circumstances. No casualties were reported, and the area was isolated.
Later in the morning, a second unmanned aerial vehicle was detected at 10:26 a.m. in the village of Lunga, Dubăsari district.
Following the detection, Moldova’s northern and central airspace was closed. According to the Ministry of Defence, the drone was subsequently identified as heading toward the northern part of the country.
The Air Operations Service continued monitoring Moldova’s airspace in coordination with the relevant authorities and partners.
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu condemned Russia’s attacks against Ukraine following the first incident and called for their immediate cessation.
“This morning, our airspace was illegally violated once again by a drone as a result of Russian attacks on Ukraine. According to official data, the object flew over Tighina and exploded upon impact with the ground near the village of Hîrbovăț, Anenii Noi district,” Grosu said.
“Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, and the area has been isolated. All state services are at the scene and are examining the incident,” he added.
Grosu also urged citizens to call 112 and seek shelter if they hear drone activity or explosions nearby and feel they are facing an immediate risk.
“If you hear the specific sounds of drones or explosions nearby and feel that there is an immediate risk, call 112 and take shelter in a safe place, inside your home, and follow only the information provided by the authorities,” the Parliament Speaker said.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are expected to provide further information as it becomes available.