Romania scrambles F-16s during Russia's massive drone attack on the Odesa region
Photo: Romania scrambled F-16 jets due to Russia's attack on Odesa region (Getty Images)
Romania scrambled a pair of F-16 fighter jets amid a Russian drone attack on the Odesa region last night, November 22, according to the Romanian Ministry of Defense.
"Two F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets were scrambled during the night of November 21–22 from the 86th Air Base to monitor the air situation on the border with Ukraine in the context of attacks carried out by the Russian Federation near the river border with Romania," the ministry stated.
It is noted that at 01:33 a.m. local time, a Ro-Alert notification was issued for the northern part of Tulcea County after intensified attacks and the detection of drones in the Izmail area.
No drone incursions into Romanian airspace were recorded, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon jets returned to the 86th Air Base in Borcea at 03:42 a.m. local time.
"We are in constant contact with our allies, sharing operational information in real time and acting decisively to guarantee the security of Romania and NATO’s eastern flank," the ministry added.
Earlier, it was reported that during Russia’s nighttime combined attack on Ukraine on November 19, one drone flew 8 km into Romanian territory, prompting the scramble of F-16 and Eurofighter jets.
Russia’s attack on November 22
As a reminder, on the night of November 22, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian territory with strike drones. The eastern and southern regions were primarily targeted.
According to the Air Force, during the night of November 22, the enemy launched one Iskander-M ballistic missile from temporarily occupied Crimea and 104 strike drones of the Shahed and Herbera types. Air defense forces shot down or suppressed 89 enemy drones in the north, south, and east of the country.
It became known this morning that Russian forces used strike drones to attack the Orlivka border crossing on the border with Romania, causing it to temporarily shut down.
It is reported that due to enemy attacks, the international border crossing point is suspending operations temporarily.
"All necessary measures are currently underway to eliminate the consequences. We ask that you use the nearest alternative border crossing points," the statement said.
Russian forces also attacked the Dnipropetrovsk region with strike drones overnight. As a result of the attack, fires broke out, power lines were damaged, and one person was injured.
