Romania Scrambles F-16 Jets and Downs Suspected Russian Drone, Third Incursion in Three Days

Romania has shot down a suspected Russian drone that entered its airspace over the Black Sea, marking the third such incident in as many days and raising fresh concerns over the spillover of Russia’s war in Ukraine into NATO territory. The latest interception prompted Romanian authorities to scramble F-16 fighter jets and issue a strong condemnation of repeated violations of the country’s sovereignty.

According to Romania’s Defence Ministry, the drone was detected by radar on Sunday morning before two Romanian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, operating under NATO’s command, were deployed from the Fetești Air Base. One of the fighter jets successfully intercepted and shot down the drone over Romania’s territorial waters in the Sulina–Chilia area of the Black Sea, avoiding any risk to civilians.

President Nicușor Dan confirmed the operation, describing the repeated incursions as “inadmissible and intolerable.” He stressed that every violation of Romanian airspace is also a breach of NATO and European Union territory, adding that the government will continue taking all necessary measures to protect the country’s borders and citizens.

The latest incident follows two similar drone interceptions on Friday and Saturday, making it the third consecutive day Romanian forces have responded to suspected Russian drones crossing into their airspace. Investigators have already determined that at least one of the previously downed drones was a Shahed-type unmanned aircraft, the model widely used by Russian forces in attacks against Ukraine. Authorities are conducting forensic examinations to confirm the origin of Sunday’s drone.

Romania, which shares a 650-kilometre border with Ukraine, has experienced dozens of drone incursions since Russia intensified strikes on Ukrainian ports along the Danube River. Until last week, Romanian authorities had tracked and monitored such aircraft but had generally avoided shooting them down unless they posed a direct threat to populated areas. The recent change in policy reflects growing concern over the frequency of these airspace violations.

In response to the latest incident, Romania’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s ambassador to lodge a formal diplomatic protest. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan called the repeated incursions “unacceptable,” while Defence Minister Radu Miruță reaffirmed that Romania would continue defending its sovereignty and fulfilling its obligations as a NATO member.

NATO officials have also reacted to the escalating situation. Alliance spokesperson Colonel Martin O’Donnell said the alliance is working closely with Romanian authorities and monitoring developments along NATO’s eastern flank. The latest interception comes amid broader efforts to strengthen air defences across Eastern Europe as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to generate security risks beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Security analysts say the repeated drone incidents highlight the growing danger of the conflict spilling into neighbouring NATO countries. Although there is no indication that the drones were intentionally targeting Romania, the incursions underscore the increasing risks posed by Russia’s sustained aerial attacks near the alliance’s frontier and the heightened vigilance now required to safeguard NATO airspace.