The skies above southeastern Romania recently witnessed a tense aerial encounter as NATO-allied jets, including Romanian and German Eurofighters, were scrambled in response to an unprecedented deep incursion by a Russian drone. This incident, which Bucharest has condemned as a deliberate Russian provocation, marks the deepest penetration into Romanian airspace since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
Details of the Incursion
On November 25, the drone crossed into Romanian territory, traveling further inland than any previous incursion. Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu revealed that the pilots came close to neutralizing the unmanned aerial vehicle but ultimately refrained due to concerns over potential collateral damage to ground infrastructure or civilians. Later, fragments of a drone, confirmed to be non-explosive, were discovered within Romanian borders, serving as tangible evidence of the breach.
This event represents the 13th reported airspace violation by Russian drones in Romania since 2022 and, notably, the first to occur in broad daylight, contrasting with previous nighttime incidents.
The NATO Response and Drone's Path
The initial response involved two Eurofighters from a German air-policing mission, which tracked the drone across the southeastern county of Tulcea before it reportedly re-entered Ukrainian airspace. Shortly after, radar detected a second airspace breach in neighboring Galati county, prompting the scramble of two Romanian F-16s, followed by an additional pair of Eurofighters. These jets monitored the drone's trajectory deep into Vrancea county, located over 100km inland and not bordering Ukraine, before it exited. Residents in the affected counties were advised to seek shelter, a warning later rescinded.
New Counter-Drone Capabilities for Romania
In a significant development signaling heightened readiness, General Christopher Donahue, commander of US Army Europe and Africa, announced during a visit to Romania's Mihail Kogalniceanu air base that advanced drone-shooting capabilities are poised for deployment to Romania. "We have tested and it is in the final stages of being employed," General Donahue stated, emphasizing that Romanian and other alliance soldiers have already undergone training for this new system, expected in the Danube Delta region imminently. While Romania possesses legislation allowing drones to be shot down during peacetime to protect lives or property, this specific authority has not yet been fully utilized in response to these incursions.
Escalating Tensions on Europe's Eastern Flank
The persistent drone activity near NATO's eastern flank underscores mounting regional tensions. This latest breach coincided with critical discussions between US and Ukrainian officials aimed at bridging differences over a proposed peace plan for the ongoing conflict. The incident highlights the growing challenges for NATO in securing its borders amidst the conflict in Ukraine and reiterates the need for robust air defense measures.
