Romania Shoots Down Drone After Airspace Breach
Romania has shot down a drone that entered its airspace, marking the first time the Romanian Air Force has destroyed an aerial target following an unauthorized airspace breach.
According to Romanian authorities, the drone was first detected east of Sulina before flying across several areas, including Brăila, Fetești, and toward Buzău. NATO air policing assets, including Italian Eurofighter Typhoons, were scrambled alongside two Romanian F-16 fighter jets to intercept the aircraft.
After receiving authorization to engage, a Romanian F-16 fired an air-to-air missile, bringing down the drone in an unpopulated area near the village of Padina in Buzău County. President Nicușor Dan confirmed the interception, stating the engagement was carried out in a safe location to avoid any risk to civilians.
Authorities are investigating the drone’s origin, while debris has been secured for examination. The incident follows another wave of Russian drone attacks near Ukraine’s border with Romania and marks a significant shift in Romania’s response to airspace violations.