Russian drone incursions expose air-defence gaps in Moldova and Romania
Around three dozen drone incidents have been reported in Romania and Moldova since early August, as questions grow over the protection of airspace bordering Ukraine.
Russian drone incursions into Moldovan and Romanian airspace are increasing, with crashes, explosions and attacks reported near Ukraine’s borders, Deutsche Welle reports. The incidents have raised concerns about regional air defences, although there is no established evidence that the violations were deliberate.
A reported Geran drone recently crossed Ukrainian, Moldovan and Romanian airspace before crashing near Riscani in Moldova. The incident reportedly prevented a plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from taking off from Chisinau. Two Romanian fighter jets were scrambled from a NATO airbase, but it remains unclear why the drone was not intercepted.
The incidents have highlighted Moldova’s limited capacity to defend its airspace. Publicly available information indicates the country has only a small number of Polish Piorun anti-aircraft missiles, capable of protecting selected targets. Romanian authorities began shooting down drones in their airspace in July, following a period of restraint.
Deutsche Welle reported around three dozen drone incidents in Romania and Moldova since the beginning of August. Moldova recorded 17 drone crashes in August, matching the total reported for the whole of 2025.
A 8 September strike damaged the Starokozache border crossing near Moldova, according to the report. Two people were killed and two wounded, including one Moldovan citizen. Moldovan officials have warned that the war’s effects are reaching the country directly and that further casualties cannot be ruled out.
The Institute for the Study of War said there was no evidence the airspace violations were intentional, while arguing Russia could benefit by testing Moldovan and NATO defences. The reason for the Romanian fighters’ failure to shoot down the reported drone, and the intent behind the incursions, remain unresolved.
