Romania has summoned Russia's ambassador after its military shot down a third drone in as many days, escalating tensions between the NATO member and Moscow. The downing occurred on Sunday when a Romanian F-16 fighter jet intercepted a drone over the Black Sea, five minutes after it entered the country's airspace, according to Defense Minister Radu Miruță.
Repeated Violations Prompt Diplomatic Action
Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu stated that Romania is summoning Russia's ambassador following “repeated violations” of its airspace. The Romanian president, Nicușor Dan, confirmed that an investigation into Friday's downed drone identified it as a “Shahed model used by the Russian Federation in its war of aggression against Ukraine.” Investigations into drones shot down on Saturday and Sunday are ongoing.
NATO and Romanian Response
“It is unacceptable and intolerable for the Russian Federation to continue violating Romania’s airspace, which is also the airspace of NATO and the European Union,” Dan said on X. Senior NATO military spokesperson Martin O'Donnell noted that the drone downed on Sunday also appeared to be of “Russian origin.” He added that Romania and other NATO countries are actively acquiring “ground-based interceptors” to bolster air defenses.
Romania integrated the US-made Merops counter-drone system into its defenses at the end of June. The AI-powered mobile system is designed to intercept small targets flying at low altitudes. Since Russia launched its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Romania has reported dozens of drone incursions, including one that struck a residential building in Galați on the border with Ukraine in May, wounding two people.
Legal Framework and Regional Context
Romania’s parliament adopted a law in 2025 allowing drones that breach its airspace to be shot down. Several countries near the Ukraine conflict have taken similar measures since the war began.
