Romanian officials reported that an unmanned aircraft crossed into their territory amid Russian strikes on Ukraine, prompting NATO forces to take action. Poland, facing similar concerns, activated fighter jets and strengthened defensive measures along its eastern border.
Drone Enters Romanian Airspace
The Romanian Defence Ministry confirmed that radar tracked a drone traveling approximately 10 kilometers into national airspace before it disappeared near Chilia Veche in the Danube Delta. The craft maintained a low altitude and did not fly over populated areas.
Romania responded by deploying two F-16 jets, backed by NATO Eurofighters stationed in the country. Residents of Tulcea County received emergency alerts advising them to seek shelter until the situation was resolved.
Officials later reported that the drone returned toward Ukraine, and no injuries or property damage were recorded.
Conflicting Reports on the Incident
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed the drone remained inside NATO airspace for close to 50 minutes, portraying the event as an attempt by Moscow to escalate the conflict.
Romania’s Defence Minister said the jets were prepared to engage the drone but refrained once it became clear that it was leaving Romanian airspace.
Poland Responds to Border Threats
Polish authorities also took precautionary measures late Friday after detecting potential drone activity near the Ukraine border. Fighter jets were scrambled, Lublin airport was temporarily closed, and air defense systems were placed on high alert.
Although no drones were confirmed to have entered Polish airspace, defense officials emphasized that the steps were necessary given repeated aerial threats from the ongoing war.
NATO’s Eastern Flank Under Strain
Both Romania and Poland have previously recovered debris from Russian drones on their territory, highlighting the risks for NATO members bordering Ukraine.
NATO confirmed it had been informed about the Romanian breach and stressed that civilians were not in danger. Nonetheless, the episode illustrates the ongoing security challenges facing countries along the alliance’s eastern frontier.
