Romanian authorities announced that a drone crossed into their airspace during Russian attacks on Ukraine, prompting NATO aircraft to launch. Poland, responding to its own alerts, also dispatched jets and raised defense levels near its eastern border.
Drone Detected in Romanian Skies
According to Romania’s Defence Ministry, the drone penetrated about 10 kilometers into national territory before vanishing from radar screens close to Chilia Veche in the Danube Delta. Officials emphasized that the aircraft flew at low altitude and posed no immediate threat to populated areas.
Two Romanian F-16s were scrambled, joined by allied Eurofighters stationed in the country for NATO air policing. Authorities issued alerts in Tulcea County, urging residents to seek shelter until the situation was resolved.
The drone later reversed course and returned to Ukraine. No injuries or damage were reported.
Disputed Accounts of the Incident
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed the drone remained over NATO territory for nearly fifty minutes, describing the breach as a deliberate attempt by Moscow to extend the conflict.
Romania’s Defence Minister said the jets were prepared to fire but ultimately did not, after monitoring showed the drone leaving Romanian airspace.
Poland on Heightened Alert
Poland also raised its air defenses late Friday after detecting potential drone activity along its border with Ukraine. Fighter aircraft were launched, Lublin airport was temporarily shut, and missile defense systems were placed on standby.
No violation of Polish airspace was confirmed, but defense officials insisted the measures were precautionary in light of repeated incidents in recent months.
NATO’s Border States Under Pressure
Both Romania and Poland have previously found fragments from Russian drones on their territory, intensifying concerns that the war could spill over into NATO countries.
NATO has been briefed on the latest Romanian incursion, noting that civilians were not endangered. Even so, the episode illustrates the continued strain on the alliance’s eastern members as the conflict in Ukraine persists.
