NATO scrambles four fighter jets over single drone over Romania
Photo: Four fighter jets from two NATO countries were scrambled over Romania (ac.nato.int)
NATO scrambled four fighter jets - two Romanian F-16s and two Italian Eurofighters - after an unidentified drone entered Romanian airspace, according to NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
On the morning of July 24, two Romanian F-16 fighter jets from Fetești Air Base and two Italian Eurofighter jets from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base were launched under NATO command and control.
The mission was to identify an unidentified unmanned aerial vehicle that had flown near Romanian airspace.
Photo: Four NATO fighter jets from two member states were scrambled over Romania (ac.nato.int)
According to NATO, the drone was quickly identified. After it entered Romanian airspace, Allied forces were authorized to engage it.
"Quickly after, the threat was shot down in Romanian airspace. This multinational combined effort underlines how NATO is ready and able to react to any potential air threats, 24/7, to safeguard our territory and protect our people," the statement said.
The drone's interception comes as NATO, Romania, and other member states continue acquiring ground-based interceptor systems to strengthen Allied air defense capabilities.
Romania has also purchased the MEROPS counter-drone system, designed to intercept small unmanned aerial vehicles.
The investigation is ongoing, and NATO said it is working closely with the Romanian authorities.
Earlier on July 24, at around 11:00 a.m. local time, a Romanian F-16 shot down a drone that had violated the country's airspace. Romanian President Nicușor Dan said the drone was intercepted over an unpopulated area, allowing the pilot to engage it without risking civilian lives.
Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat has not ruled out the possibility that Russia is deliberately directing such drones toward NATO countries.
