Romanian authorities investigate drone crash near border with Ukraine
Photo: a Russian Shahed drone (Getty Images)
The incident occurred in a wooded area near the village of Luncavița, close to the Cetățuia quarry. A fire broke out after the UAV struck the ground, according to statements from Romania's Ministry of National Defense and Digi24.
Drone crashes in Romania
Romania's Ministry of National Defense said it received a report at around noon on August 14 about a drone crash in Tulcea County.
According to the military, the aerial target was not detected by the ministry's radar surveillance systems because it was flying at a very low altitude.
The drone crashed in a forested area and, according to preliminary information, caused no casualties or material damage.
A Ministry of National Defense team, supported by a helicopter, will inspect the site.
Fire breaks out at crash site
A fire erupted after the drone hit the ground.
A crew of five non-commissioned officers from the Măcin fire station was dispatched to the scene with a fire engine.
What military officials and authorities say
Retired Commander Sandu-Valentin Mateiu told the outlet that strengthening Romania's air and missile defense is "a race against time."
He said the drone that crashed in Luncavița was most likely not detected because of:
- Its flight altitude,
- The geographical conditions of the area.
Mateiu warned that as Ukraine increases grain exports through Romania, greater attention must be paid to the Constanța area.
Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said at a government press conference that Romania's armed forces are doing everything possible to counter such drones.
"We are beginning to see that this is a persistent phenomenon, not only in Romania, and equipping our army with combat drone systems as quickly as possible is proving to be a necessity," he added.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that an alert was issued at a beach in the Romanian resort town of Costinești after drone debris was discovered. Police quickly cordoned off the area around the find.
In addition, on August 11, Romanian forces destroyed two Gerbera drones near the Neptun Deep offshore gas project.
At the end of July, Romania also shot down three drones in just three days, spending a total of €1.5 million on the operation.
