Romania destroys explosive marine drone near Neptun Deep gas project
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Romania destroyed a marine drone loaded with explosives near the Neptun Deep gas project in the Black Sea early Thursday after F-16 jets were scrambled. President Nicusor Dan condemned Moscow and Defense Minister Radu Miruta said Ukraine confirmed the drone was not Ukrainian. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU must boost defense efforts against an escalating campaign of threats.
Key Facts
- The Defense Ministry said F-16 jets were scrambled after a commercial vessel spotted the marine drone a few hundred meters from the offshore Neptun Deep gas project at 6:28 a.m. local time (0328 GMT).
- Defense Minister Radu Miruta said the drone was loaded with explosives.
- Ukraine confirmed the drone did not belong to its forces, Miruta added.
- Earlier this month army divers destroyed two Gerbera-type drones seen drifting in the exclusive economic zone near the same project.
- President Nicusor Dan wrote on X that he strongly condemns the intensification of irresponsible incidents by Russia and remains vigilant alongside NATO allies.
The Drone Interception
The Defense Ministry said F-16 jets were scrambled after a commercial vessel spotted the marine drone a few hundred meters from the offshore Neptun Deep gas project at 6:28 a.m. local time (0328 GMT). Defense Minister Radu Miruta said the drone was loaded with explosives. Miruta said the decision to destroy the drone was made to protect several hundred people working on the platform and to secure critical infrastructure. Ukraine confirmed the drone did not belong to its forces, Miruta added. Separately, Romania reported that an aerial drone crashed into an unpopulated area in its territory early Thursday during Russia's latest strikes on Ukraine.
Romanian and EU Response
President Nicusor Dan wrote on X that he strongly condemns the intensification of irresponsible incidents by the Russian Federation. Dan said Romania remains vigilant alongside NATO allies to defend itself and repel such challenges. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU must boost defense efforts to deter provocation and aggression. Von der Leyen said an escalating campaign of threats is underway, unsettling citizens and seeking to divide the union.
Neptun Deep Gas Project
The Neptun Deep project is owned by OMV Petrom and state gas producer Romgaz. The project is expected to make Romania the EU's largest gas producer when it comes online in 2027. Earlier this month, army divers destroyed two Gerbera-type drones seen drifting in the exclusive economic zone near the same project.
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Romania destroys explosive marine drone near Neptun Deep gas project
