Romania intercepts third drone in three days after repeated airspace violations

12:15

By: Sahili Aya

Romania intercepts third drone in three days after repeated airspace violations

Romania has intercepted a third drone in as many days after another unauthorized aircraft entered its airspace, escalating security concerns along NATO's eastern frontier as the conflict in neighboring Ukraine continues to generate cross-border risks.

President Nicusor Dan confirmed that the latest drone was destroyed on Sunday morning by a Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter jet while flying over the country's territorial waters in the Sulina-Chilia sector near the Black Sea.

The latest interception follows similar incidents recorded on Friday and Saturday, highlighting a series of consecutive airspace breaches that have prompted intensified military vigilance and ongoing investigations by Romanian authorities.

Investigation points to Russian-made Shahed drone

According to President Dan, prosecutors have determined that the drone intercepted on Friday was a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle, a model widely employed by Russia during its military campaign in Ukraine.

Authorities are continuing forensic and technical analyses to determine the origin and nature of the drones destroyed during the weekend. Officials have not yet released conclusions regarding the aircraft intercepted on Saturday and Sunday.

Romania prepares diplomatic response

Romanian authorities indicated that the findings of the ongoing investigations will serve as the basis for a formal diplomatic protest directed at the Russian Federation.

President Dan described the repeated incursions as unacceptable, stressing that violations of Romanian airspace also represent breaches of NATO and European Union territory. The incidents underscore growing regional concerns over the spillover effects of the war in Ukraine and reinforce calls for heightened security along the alliance's southeastern border.

Rising security concerns on NATO's eastern flank

Romania, which shares a border with Ukraine and occupies a strategic position on the Black Sea, has repeatedly strengthened surveillance and air defense capabilities since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The country has frequently scrambled fighter aircraft in response to suspected airspace incursions linked to the conflict.

The latest series of interceptions is expected to intensify discussions among NATO allies regarding the protection of member states' airspace and the management of security risks posed by military activity near the alliance's borders.