On September 13, 2025, Romania responded swiftly after a Russian drone allegedly entered its airspace, marking the second such incident involving a NATO member within a week. The drone, believed to be linked to Russian operations during attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure near the Danube River, prompted Romania to scramble two F-16 fighter jets and two Eurofighter Typhoons. The Typhoons were deployed from Germany as part of NATO’s air policing missions in the region.
Romanian defense authorities tracked the drone for approximately 50 minutes before it exited their airspace toward Ukraine. While pilots were authorized to engage the intruding drone, Romanian Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu confirmed they refrained from opening fire to avoid collateral damage. The Ministry of National Defence described the incursion as a “new challenge” to Black Sea security, emphasizing Romania’s commitment to professional and measured responses.
This incident comes shortly after Poland reported a similar breach, where 19 Russian drones entered its airspace and were intercepted by NATO jets. Both occurrences have heightened alertness across NATO’s eastern flank, leading to the launch of “Eastern Sentry,” a coordinated operation aimed at strengthening regional air defense with contributions from Denmark, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
European Union officials also condemned the Romanian airspace violation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU is working closely with Romania and other member states to reinforce territorial security and uphold the sovereignty of its member nations.
The drone incursion has sparked renewed concerns about Russia’s intentions in Eastern Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the action an “expansion of war,” urging the international community to implement tougher sanctions and bolster defense cooperation among Western allies. Analysts note that such airspace violations, even by unmanned drones, represent significant escalations in military tension, requiring rapid response and international coordination to prevent further incidents.
NATO officials emphasize that Romania’s response demonstrates the alliance’s readiness and commitment to protecting member states’ airspace. Monitoring and interception capabilities are being continuously improved to ensure that any future breaches are addressed quickly and effectively, minimizing risk to civilians and military infrastructure.
The incident also underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare, where unmanned systems play increasingly central roles in surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical operations. NATO members are evaluating both defensive and countermeasure strategies to mitigate threats from drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles.
Romania’s measured yet decisive response highlights the importance of preparedness and multinational cooperation in maintaining security along NATO’s eastern borders. As tensions in the Black Sea region remain high, member states continue to coordinate air defense exercises, intelligence sharing, and rapid response protocols to deter future provocations.
In summary, the Russian drone incursion into Romanian airspace marks a significant test for NATO’s defense readiness. Romania’s quick mobilization of F-16 and Eurofighter jets, combined with multinational coordination under “Eastern Sentry,” reflects a strong commitment to territorial defense, regional stability, and adherence to international norms.
