Shahed-type drone enters Moldova, forces temporary airspace lockdown

An unmanned aerial vehicle of the Shahed type briefly entered and traversed the airspace of the Republic of Moldova on the evening of March 30, prompting a temporary restriction of air traffic in the north of the country, the National Army Air Operations Service said.

The drone was detected at 21:29 local time after crossing the state border from the direction of Comarivka towards Șipca, Caliber.Az reports per Moldovan media.

Ukrainian authorities subsequently confirmed the incursion.

Air surveillance systems tracked the drone as it continued over Moldovan territory, passing above several populated areas, including Dubăsari and Orhei, moving northwards.

In response, the Civil Aeronautical Authority temporarily restricted airspace in the northern region for 15 minutes as a precautionary measure to ensure flight safety.

Monitoring of the drone’s trajectory continued until 22:03, when it disappeared from radar near Clișova. The country’s airspace was reopened at 22:18.

Authorities said surveillance of the national airspace remains ongoing.

By Aghakazim Guliyev