Russian drones violate Moldova and Romania airspace during attack on Ukraine: Gerbera debris found in Florești

24.09.2026, 16:47 rubryka.com

Moldova

Flying objects repeatedly violated Moldova's airspace on the morning of September 24, amidst a Russian attack on Ukraine, particularly targeting the Odesa region. Moldovan authorities reported at least four drones entering the country's airspace.

Moldova's Ministry of Defense noted that drones also entered Moldovan territory from Ukraine's Vinnytsia and Chernivtsi regions.

"The Air Operations Service continues monitoring national airspace in coordination with competent authorities and partners," the Ministry of Defense of Moldova reported.

Authorities closed the airspace in the northern part of the country for safety reasons.

Against the backdrop of these events, police discovered drone debris in Moldova's Florești District. According to preliminary conclusions by experts from the technical and explosives units of the Moldovan Police, the recovered drone exhibits characteristics typical of the Gerbera model used by Russia.

At the same time, police emphasize that the drone's exact identification remains incomplete and requires confirmation after a specialized forensic examination.

A distinctive feature of the recovered UAV was an integrated camera. Moldovan police noted that this marks the first time a drone equipped with such a camera has been found on the country's territory.

Experts also established the circumstances surrounding the crash. According to their data, the drone collided with a tree before impacting the ground and detonating.

Moldovan police continue their investigation to determine the exact model, manufacturer, technical specifications, and overall circumstances of the incident.

Final conclusions regarding the origin and model of the recovered UAV will follow the specialized forensic examination.

Romania

Drones were also recorded outside Moldova. On the morning of September 24 in Romania's Suceava County, an aerial target remained in national airspace for approximately four minutes before crashing in a forest near the village of Solca.

Due to the incident, local authorities suspended school classes in four settlements in the region until 10:00 a.m.

"The aerial target remained in national airspace for approximately four minutes before falling near the village of Solca, Suceava County, causing no casualties or material damage," reported Romania's Ministry of National Defense.

According to the ministry, no fire occurred at the crash site.

Authorities also recorded drone activity near the Ukrainian-Romanian border overnight on September 24. Reports indicated that Romania scrambled fighter jets to monitor the airspace situation. Specifically, two F-18 fighter jets from the Spanish Air and Space Force deployed to monitor the area.

Background

Russian strike drones attacking Ukraine have repeatedly crossed into Moldovan territory. Over the night of September 19, Moldova recorded several unidentified drones, some of which violated the country's airspace in the Ștefan Vodă District.

Additionally, overnight on September 17, a drone violated the country's airspace before almost immediately turning back into Ukrainian territory.