Romanian F-16 downs unauthorized drone near NATO border
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A Romanian F-16 fighter jet shot down an unauthorized drone that entered the country's airspace on July 24, Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr said. The drone was intercepted over an uninhabited area in Buzău county at 11:02 local time. The incident comes amid heightened tensions along NATO's eastern flank.
The Interception
The drone was first detected by radar at 09:39 local time, approximately 20 kilometers east of Sulina. It entered Romanian airspace and traveled over Sulina, Brăila, Fetești, and Buzău. Two Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets from NATO's air policing mission scrambled at 09:48, followed by two Romanian F-16s from the 86th Air Base in Fetești at 10:56. The Romanian F-16 engaged and destroyed the drone at 11:02.
Official Response
Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr stated on X that the drone was shot down in an uninhabited area of Buzău county. He emphasized that the path to greater security lies in establishing peace at the border. The ministry said debris is being examined to determine the drone's origin, which has not been disclosed.
Previous Incidents
On May 29, a Russian-made drone entered Romanian airspace during a Russian night attack on Ukraine and crashed into a residential building, injuring two people. That incident also triggered NATO scrutiny. Romania shares a 650-kilometer border with Ukraine and has faced repeated drone fragments on its territory since the war began.
What's Next
NATO is expected to review the incident at its next council meeting. It remains unclear whether the drone was Russian or Ukrainian, and whether this will lead to enhanced air defense measures in the region.
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Romanian F-16 downs unauthorized drone near NATO border
