Russian drones over Moldova: Systematic incidents spark national security alarm
Recent incursions of Russian drones into Moldovan airspace are no longer isolated events but represent a "systemic threat." Security expert Artur Leșcu warns that these incidents must be viewed with deep concern as they test the nation's defense limits.
Security risks and lethal payloads
Expert Artur Leșcu emphasized that these Shahed-type drones are inherently dangerous due to their explosive payloads. A single impact can destroy a residential home, a risk made real by recent cases where debris fell on Moldovan soil.
"It is deeply concerning when hostile aircraft overfly our sovereign territory without authorization," Leșcu stated during a Radio Moldova broadcast. He noted that while in flight, it is impossible to determine if a drone is armed, necessitating a high-alert response.
The vanishing drone of Orhei
On the evening of March 30, at approximately 21:30, a drone was detected crossing the Dubăsari and Orhei districts. The craft eventually vanished from radar screens near the village of Clișova.
Authorities have urged citizens in the Orhei region to exercise maximum caution. Residents are instructed to avoid any unidentified flight-like objects and immediately contact emergency services at 112, as the risk of unexploded ordnance remains high.
Vulnerabilities in radar detection
The incident highlights a critical gap in Moldova's defense infrastructure. The nation’s current modern radar, as well as units designated for future purchase, struggle to detect small, non-metallic objects flying at low altitudes.
While effective against helicopters and ballistic missiles, these systems are often bypassed by drones flying close to the terrain. Leșcu noted that an "ideal" defense would require a multi-layered approach, including acoustic sensors and specialized low-altitude equipment.
Geopolitical tensions in Transnistria
On the morning of March 31, another drone was tracked for eight minutes at an altitude of 500 meters near Cobasna. This sensitive area houses a massive Soviet-era ammunition depot in the breakaway Transnistrian region.
While Chisinau condemned the violation, the Kremlin-backed regime in Tiraspol attempted to deflect blame toward Ukraine. Experts dismiss these claims, noting that separatist structures lack the technical capacity to accurately identify drone launch points.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
