The Romania Defense Ministry confirmed that F-16 fighter jets were launched on September 13 to prevent a Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from entering the country's airspace while Moscow launched a series of attacks on infrastructure in Ukraine bordering the border.
According to Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu, the UAV flew very low, forcing the Romania pilot to approach and almost make a decision to shoot down. However, just a few minutes later, the object left Romania's airspace towards Ukraine.
The Romania Defense Ministry said that as soon as radar detected the target, two F-16 fighters and then two Eurofighters - part of the German air force deployed for monitoring in the Romania sky - were urgently deployed. The government immediately warned residents in Tulcea County, near the border with the Danube River, to seek safe shelter.
Radar shows the UAV disappearing about 20km southwest of Chilia Veche village. Military helicopters are surveying the scene to find the debris.
On social network X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed data showing that the Russian drone had entered 10km into Romania and had been in NATO airspace for about 50 minutes.
This is a clear act of Russia expanding the conflict. We need more sanctions, more tariffs on Russia, and above all, collective defense, Zelensky stressed.
Three days earlier, Poland - also a neighbor of Ukraine - shot down a Russian UAV in its airspace with the support of its NATO allies. By the weekend, Poland continued to deploy fighter jets, closing the airport in the city of Lublin when there was a risk of being attacked by UAVs. This is considered the first time a NATO member has fired live fire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In response to the rapid developments, NATO has said it will increase defense capabilities on the East side. The Swedish Foreign Ministry called the incident in Romania an un Acceptable violation of NATO airspace and pledged comprehensive solidarity with Romania.
There has been no information from Russia about the incident.
