Russian drones enter Moldovan airspace as two explode and neighbors scramble jets

Incursions across northern Moldova

Four unmanned aerial vehicles violated Moldovan airspace on the morning of 24 September 2026 during Russian strikes against targets in Ukraine. Border police first spotted a drone at 05:21 crossing from Velyka Kisnytsia in Ukraine's Vinnytsia region toward Vasilcau in Soroca district before it exited national airspace. A second drone briefly entered near Larga in Briceni district, leaving at 06:16 toward Kelmintsi in Ukraine's Chernivtsi region.

A third drone crossed the border at 06:35 near Volovita and flew over several settlements in Floresti district, including Gura Cainarului, Lunga, Bahrinesti, and Gura Camencii. A fourth drone entered at 06:58 from Kodyma toward Socola in Soldanesti district, disappearing from tracking systems at 07:11 near Cunicea. Authorities closed northern Moldovan airspace until 07:46 to ensure civilian flight safety.

Drone explosions and camera discovery

Two of the drones crashed and exploded on the ground. One blast occurred in a cornfield near a farm in the village of Cernita in Floresti district, while a second explosion was recorded in Camenca district in the breakaway Transnistria region. Moldovan police confirmed that neither explosion caused human casualties.

Technical-explosives specialists examining the wreckage in Floresti district identified the craft as a Russian Gerbera type. Police officials noted that this marked the first time a Gerbera drone had been documented on Moldovan territory. The recovered wreckage revealed an on-board camera system, with investigators continuing specialized forensic analysis to verify its exact technical specifications.

Regional alerts in Romania and Poland

The aerial activity extended across neighboring European airspace. In Romania, authorities issued alerts in Botosani, Suceava, and Tulcea counties. The Romanian air force launched eight aircraft, including two F-16 and two F-18 fighter jets, to monitor the border area. A drone crossed into Romanian territory at Botosani and crashed near Solca in Suceava county four minutes after entry. Local authorities suspended school classes in the affected area, reporting no casualties.

In Poland, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces scrambled military aircraft twice on Thursday morning. Ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance units were placed on high alert as Russian forces launched ballistic missiles and drones against Kyiv. Polish military officials confirmed that no violations of Polish airspace occurred during the operations.

Moldovan government response and coordination

Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned the aerial violations, pointing out that cross-border drone incursions threaten regional security.

“Russia's massive attack on Ukraine has once again reached Moldova this morning. Four Russian drones violated our airspace, and at least one exploded in the north of the country. Russia's war endangers the whole of Europe. We condemn this war and stand with Ukraine.”

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu confirmed that residents in northern villages were awakened by drone engine noise and called on citizens to remain calm while reporting suspicious objects.

“In recent weeks, several flying devices have violated the airspace of the Republic of Moldova. This represents a direct risk to our security and a flagrant violation of our sovereignty.”

Grosu added that Chisinau is discussing joint measures with Romania and Ukraine to strengthen Moldovan airspace monitoring and protection capabilities.