Romania downs third Russian drone that entered its airspace

According to the president, the incident occurred at 10:13 a.m. in the Sulina–Chilia area.

"I congratulate the Romanian pilots and the ground teams for the professionalism, courage, and efficiency with which they carry out their missions. Through their actions, they contribute to the defense of the national territory and the safety of Romanian citizens," Dan said.

He also said that, based on the findings of Romania's Prosecutor General's Office, the drone shot down the previous day was identified as a Shahed-type drone used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the drones shot down over the past two days. The findings will form the basis of Romania's official diplomatic protest to Russia.

"It is inadmissible and intolerable for the Russian Federation to continue violating Romania's airspace, which is, at the same time, NATO airspace and European Union airspace. Such actions are unacceptable, and we treat them with the utmost seriousness, alongside our allies," the Romanian president stressed.

Romania shoots down Russian drones

On July 24, at around 11:00 a.m., a Romanian F-16 shot down a drone that had entered the country's airspace. President Nicușor Dan said the area was uninhabited, allowing the pilot to engage the target without endangering civilians.

It later emerged that NATO had scrambled four fighter jets — two Romanian F-16s and two Italian Eurofighters — after an unidentified drone entered Romanian airspace.

Romanian prosecutors later confirmed that the drone was a Russian-made Shahed.

On the morning of July 25, the Romanian Air Force shot down another drone that violated the country's airspace during another Russian attack on Ukraine.

Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for Ukraine's Air Force, has suggested that Russia may be deliberately directing such drones into NATO member states.