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Romania shot down an unauthorized drone near its border with Ukraine on Saturday, marking the second consecutive day Romanian forces destroyed an aircraft that entered the NATO member’s airspace, officials said.
The drone was detected by Romanian Defense Ministry radars at 8:22 a.m. and shot down at 8:34 a.m. about 9.6 kilometers (5.97 miles) west of Sfantu Gheorghe in the Danube Delta, Defense Minister Radu Miruta said.
Romania’s Defense Ministry said two Romanian F-16 fighter jets on standby under NATO’s Air Policing mission intercepted the target and carried out standard identification and neutralization procedures.
The drone was brought down safely in an uninhabited area near the border, where ministry teams were expected to conduct an investigation.
Miruta said a Romanian F-16 struck the drone minutes after military radars detected it entering Romanian airspace without authorization.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan said the drone was shot down about 10 kilometers west of the Sfantu Gheorghe settlement in the Danube Delta.
The Defense Ministry said it was continuously monitoring developments in Romanian airspace and remaining in close contact with allies. Further information would be released as it became available.
Romanian forces shot down another unauthorized drone on Friday, the country’s first such interception since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The aircraft was destroyed about 114 kilometers from Bucharest after Defense Ministry surveillance systems detected it entering Romanian airspace.
Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets serving under a NATO Air Policing mission were initially scrambled. Romania later deployed two additional F-16 fighter jets and authorized them to open fire.
After monitoring and tracking the target, a Romanian F-16 engaged the drone and shot it down over an uninhabited area in Buzau County at 11:02 a.m., Miruta said.
Authorities also implemented measures to protect the population.
Miruta praised the Romanian pilots for their professionalism, composure and rapid response, saying the operation demonstrated the military’s commitment to defending national territory and protecting citizens.
Romania, a NATO member bordering Ukraine, has detected dozens of drone incursions since the war began in 2022, including aircraft that crashed on Romanian territory.
A Russian drone entered Romanian airspace during overnight attacks on Ukraine on May 29 and struck an apartment building, injuring two people.
NATO and the European Union condemned the incident, blamed Russia and warned against further incursions.
Romania’s parliament adopted legislation in 2025 authorizing the military to shoot down drones that breach the country’s airspace.
Miruta said recent events showed why Romania needed to invest in air defense systems, anti-drone capabilities and military modernization.
He said current threats differed from those of a decade ago and required preparation before they developed into crises.
New radar systems, modern aircraft, anti-drone equipment and trained military personnel strengthened the country’s security and ability to defend its sovereignty, he added.
Miruta said Romania was defending its airspace, fulfilling its NATO commitments and would continue investing in capabilities that protect its citizens.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the Romanian military Friday and said strengthening defense and deterrence along Europe’s eastern border remained a priority.
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