Romania and the Republic of Moldova have a protocol in place for the permanent exchange of information about drones that enter or illegally fly through the airspace of the two countries. Romanian President Nicusor Dan made the statement in Chisinau when asked about cooperation between the authorities in Bucharest and Chisinau amid a series of drone incidents in the region.
“When it comes to observation, the radar side, there is a permanent exchange of information between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, and we can say that when we see them, Moldova sees them as well,” Nicusor Dan said.
However, the ability to intercept and shoot down drones is a more complex issue. Dan stressed that none of the NATO countries on the eastern flank affected by the phenomenon has sufficient resources to fully cover its territory.
“Each of the countries (…) is trying to optimize [its capabilities] where it feels that the risk is higher,” the Romanian president explained.
Drone Incursions a Relatively New Threat
Nicusor Dan described drone incursions into the airspace of countries in the region as a relatively new phenomenon.
“We have been talking about this for a year, a year and a half. Although they have been used in warfare for much longer, they were not coming into our countries,” he said.
The Romanian president also pointed to the progress made by Romania in strengthening its air defense capabilities over recent months.
“Four months ago, Romania had not shot down any [drones], and in the meantime it has shot down four. Six months ago, we did not have the radars that we have today,” Dan said.
He stressed that Romania and other countries on NATO’s eastern flank are gradually strengthening their capabilities to respond to the threat posed by drones.
Nicusor Dan visited the Republic of Moldova on Thursday, August 27, and took part in events marking the country’s 35th anniversary of independence.