Russian jet-powered Geran model 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.
As reported by by Moldovan media outlet Newsmaker, according to the Moldovan Ministry of Defence and the General Police Inspectorate, 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.
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.