Russian jet-powered drone exploded in Moldova
A drone, believed to be a jet-powered Geran model, exploded in the Orhei district in Moldova on the evening of 30 September.
Source: European Pravda, citing the Moldovan Ministry of Defence and the General Police Inspectorate, quoted by Moldovan media outlet Newsmaker
Details: According to Moldovan authorities, the drone entered the country's airspace at around 20:45. It then crashed after colliding with trees near the village of Branesti in the Orhei district.
Police received a report of a loud sound resembling an explosion.
Shortly before midnight, police, based on early reports, stated that the discovered drone had characteristics typical of a jet-powered Geran.
On 1 October, law enforcement officers clarified the circumstances of the crash: according to their data, the explosion occurred after the drone collided with trees in a tree line right next to a highway.
A crater approximately 50 cm in diameter and about 30 cm deep formed at the site. Damaged trees, traces of a shockwave and thermal impact were discovered within a radius of up to 30 m.
Two more craters, approximately 50 cm and 30 cm in diameter, were found about 15 m from the main explosion site, on the roadside.
Police discovered numerous drone fragments within a radius of about 120 m. Among them: parts of the rear section of wings with Geran-4 markings, electronic modules and parts of a propulsion system, including a jet engine with signs of thermal damage.
Background:
- On the morning of 30 September, a drone flew through Moldovan airspace before crashing outside the village of Hîrbovăț in the Anenii Noi District and exploding.
- According to Moldova's General Inspectorate of Police, the drone exploded at an altitude of 40 m above the ground after striking a telecommunications mast.
- On the same day, another drone flew over Moldova; authorities closed the airspace in the northern and central parts of the country.
- Moldovan Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatîi said that the drone was jet-powered.
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