How did a jet drone reach Chisinau undetected? Moldova explains
Radars in Moldova failed to detect a jet-powered drone (photo: thalesgroup.com)
The Defense Ministry of Moldova failed to detect an armed drone carrying explosives that crashed near Chisinau because of its high speed and low flight altitude, according to Marin Butuc, a ministry representative, cited by NewsMaker.md.
Why radars could not detect drone
Moldova's Defense Ministry explained that the failure to detect the aerial target was directly related to its technical and tactical characteristics.
The factors included its speed and flight altitude.
"The investigation is ongoing, and only afterward will it be possible to establish the type of aircraft that was carrying explosives. Its characteristics may later provide more information about why its flight through Moldovan airspace could not be detected," Butuc said.
He said numerous factors could explain why the illegal flight was not detected.
At the same time, the spokesperson said he currently has no information on whether the ministry discussed the incident with its counterparts in Ukraine and Romania.
Drone crash details
The UAV crashed overnight on September 18 in the village of Coloniţa, which is part of the Chisinau municipality. Local residents heard a loud explosion.
Police found the wreckage seven hours after receiving the call:
- Fragments of the drone and signs of an explosion were found in a field
- An engine and other components were discovered 100 meters from the crash site
- According to Viorel Cernăuțeanu, head of the Moldovan General Inspectorate of Police, the drone was equipped with a jet engine.
Details available about air defenses of Moldova
Before the wreckage was discovered, the Defense Ministry said it had detected no violations of the country's airspace in the previous 24 hours.
In 2026, Moldova received its second modern radar with EU support through the European Peace Facility (EPF).
Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi said it can detect targets at long distances.
The first radar, purchased with state budget funds, can detect only certain categories of targets flying at altitudes of at least 2,000 meters.
Moldovan authorities acknowledge that two radars are insufficient for full airspace monitoring. That is why in July 2026, the EU approved an additional 120 million euros for Moldova to purchase a medium-range air defense system.
Moldova's airspace incidents
As previously reported, a powerful unexplained explosion occurred overnight near the Moldovan village of Coloniţa, which borders Chisinau.
Local residents heard a loud sound at around 4 a.m., after which police began checking the surrounding area.
This is not the first such incident in recent months.
Earlier, on September 12, Moldova was forced to temporarily close part of its airspace. The restrictions were introduced because of an unidentified drone that entered the country from the direction of Ukraine.
The incident forced Chisinau Airport to delay several flights.
