Bucharest, July 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Romania on Sunday shot down a third unauthorised drone that entered its airspace in as many days, intensifying concerns over repeated violations near its border with Ukraine.
According to Romania’s Ministry of National Defence, the drone was intercepted and destroyed by an F-16 fighter aircraft over the country’s territorial waters, around 12 km northeast of Sulina. The military said the operation was carried out safely without posing a threat to civilians.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan praised the Air Force pilots and ground personnel for their professionalism, courage and efficiency, saying their actions helped safeguard the country’s territory and the safety of its citizens.
The President also strongly condemned the repeated incursions, describing Russia’s actions as “inadmissible and intolerable.” He stressed that any violation of Romanian airspace also constituted a breach of NATO and European Union airspace, adding that such incidents were being treated with the utmost seriousness in coordination with Romania’s allies.
Authorities said investigations by the General Prosecutor’s Office have identified the drone shot down on Friday as a Russian-made Shahed drone, commonly used in attacks against Ukraine. Investigations into the drones destroyed on Saturday and Sunday are still underway, and the findings will form the basis of Romania’s diplomatic protest to Russia.
On Saturday, another drone was intercepted and brought down about 10 km west of Sfantu Gheorghe after Romanian radar systems detected it entering national airspace near the Ukrainian border. Defence officials said the same Air Force pilot who neutralised Friday’s drone carried out Saturday’s successful interception as well.
The latest incidents come amid heightened regional tensions as Romania continues to strengthen surveillance and air defence measures along its eastern frontier.
FOLLOW NOW
