Romanian F-16 destroys Russian drone boat near Neptun Deep gas platform
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A Romanian F-16 fighter jet destroyed a Russian drone boat loaded with explosives near the Neptun Deep offshore gas platform in the Black Sea on August 20. The drone was spotted a few hundred meters from the platform where several hundred workers were installing equipment. Romania's president condemned the incident as an irresponsible act by Russia.
Key Facts
- Romanian F-16 fighter jets used cannon fire to disable the drone boat, and army specialists later carried out a controlled detonation.
- The drone was spotted on August 20 by the Romanian Coast Guard a few hundred meters from the Neptun Deep main drilling platform.
- Romanian President Nicușor Dan condemned the incident and said Romania remains vigilant alongside NATO allies.
- This is the second incident involving suspected Russian drones near Neptun Deep this month; on August 11, two Russian-made flying drones were destroyed.
- The drone boat is an unknown type different from surface drones previously deployed by Russia, according to naval expert H. I. Sutton.
Drone Interception
On August 20, the Romanian Coast Guard spotted the maritime drone a few hundred meters from the Neptun Deep project's main drilling platform, where several hundred workers were busy with installation. Defense Minister Radu Miruță said in a Facebook post that two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to stop the drone with cannon fire. Army specialists later carried out a controlled detonation, as seen in a video shared by the defense minister. The drone boat supposedly carried explosives, according to Miruță's comments as reported by Reuters.
Official Response
Romanian President Nicușor Dan strongly condemned the intensification of irresponsible incidents by the Russian Federation in a post on X. Dan said Romania remains vigilant alongside NATO allies to defend itself and repel such challenges. Romania confirmed with Ukrainian partners that the drones did not belong to the Ukrainian military in both incidents.
Neptun Deep Context
The Neptun Deep offshore gas project would make Romania the largest gas producer in the European Union once it starts full production in 2027. This marks the second incident involving suspected Russian drones near the site this month; on August 11, the Romanian military destroyed two Russian-made flying drones found floating nearby. The drone boat found near the platform is an unknown type different from surface drones previously deployed by Russia, according to independent naval expert H. I. Sutton.
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Romanian F-16 destroys Russian drone boat near Neptun Deep gas platform
