On 14 February 2023, an "aerial object that looked like a weather balloon" was spotted flying at approximately 11,000 metres (36,000 ft) in southeastern Romania. Two MiG 21 Lancer fighter jets were scrambled to the area, but returned to base after not receiving visual or radar confirmation of the alleged object.[1]

The same day, the neighboring nation of Moldova closed its airspace to investigate a "balloon-like object" allegedly spotted in the north of the country, near its border with Ukraine. After it was declared that there was no danger to civilians, the airspace was reopened an hour and twenty-two minutes later.[2]

Incidents

At around 12.30 p.m. on 14 February, the air surveillance systems of the Romanian Air Force detected a small-sized aerial target similar to a weather balloon flying at an altitude of 11,000 meters over the South-East of Romania. Two MiG-21 LanceRs under NATO Air Policing command were scrambled from the 86th Air Base. The two fighters could not identify the target, neither visually nor on radar. The aircraft remained in the area for 30 minutes before returning to base.[3]

Around the same time, a similar object was detected over Moldova, near the city of Soroca. Due to the adverse weather conditions and the inability of tracking and identifying the object, the decision was taken to close the air space at 13.24 p.m. for safety reasons. The air space was opened again an hour later.[2][4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Romania detects suspicious weather balloon in its airspace, ministry says". Reuters. 2023-02-14. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
  2. 1 2 "Moldova briefly shuts airspace after report of balloon-like object". Reuters. 2023-02-14. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
  3. ↑ "Balon deasupra României? Radarele au identificat o țintă aeriană. Două MiG-21 LanceR - direcționate în zonă, dar nu au găsit nimic" (in Romanian). 14 February 2023.
  4. ↑ "Noi detalii de la Autoritatea Aeronautică privind închiderea temporară a spațiului aerian al Republicii Moldova". HotNews. 14 February 2023.
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