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UAV

UAV event in Vărăncău area, Moldova, Republic of on Fri 28th November 2025

28th November 2025

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CLARIFICATION‼️

Moldova's airspace was temporarily closed last night due to illegal drone overflights

On the night of November 28-29, 2025, the airspace of the Republic of Moldova was temporarily closed for approximately one hour and 10 minutes, between 22:43 and 23:53, as an emergency measure, after two unidentified drones illegally flew over the national territory, creating a direct danger to aeronautical safety.

The initial information came at 22:50, through the operational channel of the Air Operations Service of the National Army, and was later confirmed by the border structures of Ukraine. The drones, identified as Gherbera type, crossed the airspace in the direction of Stanislavka (Odessa region) - Vărăncău (region on the left bank of the Dniester).

Following the major risk to civil aviation, the Civil Aeronautical Authority of the Republic of Moldova issued an emergency NOTAM, ordering the immediate closure of the airspace.

Due to restrictions imposed for security reasons, two aircraft on their way to Chisinau International Airport were diverted to an alternative airport in Romania, and an aircraft preparing to take off was temporarily grounded until the danger was lifted.

After 23:32, the airspace was reopened for takeoffs and landings, with restrictions temporarily maintained in the northern area, until confirmation of the complete exit of drones from national space.

Following notification of the incident, the competent authorities of the Republic of Moldova immediately activated the inter-institutional response and coordination mechanisms, with the situation being permanently monitored in real time.

The Border Police of the Republic of Moldova, the National Police, the Ministry of Defense and other security structures acted jointly, respecting legal procedures, by initiating operational field checks on the possible directions of movement of drones, intensifying surveillance of the state border and the area of ​​responsibility, continuous monitoring of airspace and related risks, as well as maintaining a constant flow of information between national institutions and external partners.

All these measures aimed to protect the population and ensure national security in the face of incidents that may endanger the life and integrity of citizens. Up to this time, no objects, debris or elements that pose a danger to the population have been identified, and operational data confirms that both drones have definitively left the national airspace, moving deep into the territory of Ukraine.

The authorities continue to monitor the area and remain on high alert to protect the safety of citizens. The Republic of Moldova strongly condemns these illegal and dangerous actions, which have endangered the safety of civilian flights and human lives. Such violations represent hostile actions of intimidation and destabilization, specific to the regional context marked by the military aggression of the Russian Federation.

We inform citizens that the situation regarding the unauthorized overflight of the airspace was managed promptly and efficiently. The airspace was temporarily restricted for the protection of civil flights, and all security and surveillance measures were activated.

Citizens can be sure that the authorities continue to carefully monitor the airspace and take all necessary measures to prevent any risks, ensuring the protection of passengers, the population and air traffic.

In the context of the recent incident and the intensified surveillance of airspace, the authorities recommend that citizens strictly follow official instructions, avoid approaching areas where monitoring operations are being carried out, and exercise increased vigilance in the event of the observation of unidentified flying objects.

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Moldova, Republic of (MDA)

( Vărăncău area )

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