Romania’s airspace was breached by a Russian-made Geran drone during an attack on Ukraine, remaining within Romanian territory for nearly an hour. In response, Romania’s Ministry of National Defence deployed two F-16 fighter jets and two Eurofighters to intercept the drone. Residents in the southeastern county of Tulcea, close to the Ukrainian border, were advised to take cover as the jets tracked the drone until it vanished from radar about 20 kilometers southwest of Chilia Veche. Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu noted that while pilots had the authority to engage, they opted not to fire to avoid collateral damage, a decision he termed responsible.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the drone entered Romanian airspace by approximately 10 kilometers, operating within NATO space for about 50 minutes. He condemned the incursion as an “obvious expansion of war by Russia” and urged for sanctions and collective defense measures against Russia.
This incident follows a similar violation earlier in the week in Polish airspace, where NATO jets successfully shot down Russian drones. In response, NATO initiated “Operation Eastern Sentry” to reinforce defense along its eastern flank, involving member states including Denmark, France, Germany, and the UK.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Romania has previously dealt with drone fragments falling within its borders. In February, Romanian lawmakers passed legislation allowing military action against unauthorized drones breaching airspace, though enforcement protocols are still awaited. The recent incursions have sparked concerns among NATO members regarding regional security and the prospect of further escalation, prompting calls for enhanced vigilance and coordination.
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