On the morning of 25 November, during Russia’s massive attack on Ukraine, a Shahed drone entered Moldova’s airspace before crossing into Romania.
NewsMaker reported this, citing Moldova’s Border Police.
According to the agency, the Shahed-type drone was first detected flying in the direction of Vynohradivka–Vulcănești. The aircraft was recorded by the Moldovan Ministry of Defence’s air traffic service.
"It then moved toward the state border with Romania, in the Cahul district, crossed the border and entered Romanian airspace. The Romanian side was immediately informed about the situation," the Border Police said.
They added that measures “provided for under current legislation” are being taken. The drone’s flight path area is being carefully inspected, and so far, border guards have not identified any dangerous objects that could threaten the safety of civilians.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported a possible border crossing by a Russian drone at 07:50 on its Telegram channel.
Romania’s Ministry of Defence commented on the incident, noting that on the morning of 25 November, the Romanian Air Force first detected a drone entering national airspace. German Eurofighter Typhoon jets were scrambled, and alerts were issued in two eastern counties near the Ukrainian border, Romania Insider writes.
The drone crossed into Romania from the direction of Vylkove (Ukraine) and moved toward the Chilia Veche area in Tulcea. Eurofighter pilots later reported radar contact with the drone at 07:11, by which time it had already returned to Ukrainian airspace.
Shortly after, two Romanian F-16 Fighting Falcons were ordered into the air due to another drone appearing in national airspace in the Galați region, where the F-16s also established radar contact with the target.
The drone’s subsequent fate is unknown.
According to the outlet, Romania’s updated legal framework now allows the military to neutralise or destroy drones and other unauthorised aircraft entering its airspace. Under the law, such measures must comply with international norms, consider all circumstances, prioritise the protection of human life, and destruction is considered only as a last resort.
