Romanian military forces intercepted and destroyed two aerial targets over the Black Sea after they entered the nation's airspace on Friday. Defence Minister Radu Miruta confirmed that the operation involved two F-16 fighter jets, which were scrambled from the 86th air base at Borcea, located near the city of Fetești.
The first drone was detected by radar surveillance systems and entered Romanian airspace at approximately 17:59. According to the Defence Minister, the aircraft successfully engaged and shot down the target within two minutes, at a position 25 km south-east of the town of Sulina. A second drone was intercepted in the same vicinity shortly thereafter. It was shot down at 18:05, five minutes after crossing into national airspace, at a location 20 km east of Sulina.
The Defence Ministry later identified the downed aerial targets as jet-powered attack drones belonging to the Geran family. Following the incident, Romania's foreign minister, Oana Toiu, emphasized the strategic importance of the region, noting that the Black Sea serves as a critical maritime artery for the global export of grain, energy resources, and industrial commodities. Toiu stated that the stability of the area remains vital to international food and energy security and added that NATO is expected to address issues of defence and deterrence in the Black Sea during an upcoming meeting. She concluded her statement by asserting that the Black Sea will be safe again.
