NATO Jets Shoot Down Drone Over Romanian Airspace

NATO fighter jets shot down an unidentified drone after it entered Romanian airspace on Friday, underscoring the alliance’s readiness to respond to potential threats along its eastern flank.

In a statement on Friday, NATO said two Romanian F-16 fighter jets from Fetești Air Base and two Italian Eurofighters from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base were scrambled under NATO command and control after an unidentified unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was detected flying close to Romanian airspace.

According to the alliance, the drone was promptly identified and, after crossing into Romanian airspace, the NATO aircraft were authorised to engage it.

“The drone was promptly identified, and after crossing into Romanian airspace, the NATO assets were cleared to engage. Quickly after, the threat was shot down in Romanian airspace,” NATO said.

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It added that the operation demonstrated the alliance’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats.

“This multinational combined effort underlines how NATO is ready and able to react to any potential air threats, 24/7, to safeguard our territory and protect our people,” the statement said.

The incident comes as NATO, Romania and other allied countries continue to strengthen their air defence capabilities through the acquisition of ground-based interceptor systems and counter-drone technology.

NATO noted that Romania has acquired the MEROPS counter-drone system, designed to intercept small unmanned aerial systems as part of efforts to improve national and allied air defences.