A Spanish Air Force F-18 fighter jet, deployed as part of a NATO mission to strengthen airspace patrols over Romania, shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that had illegally entered Romanian airspace.

According to Romania’s Ministry of National Defence, the drone crossed the country’s state border from the direction of Moldova and was detected approximately 24 kilometres north of the city of Galați, in eastern Romania, near the borders with Ukraine and Moldova.

After the aerial target was detected, Romanian fighter jets were scrambled to intercept it. Two Spanish F-18s stationed at a Romanian air base as part of NATO’s enhanced mission to ensure air security on the alliance’s eastern flank also took part in the operation.

One of the Spanish fighter jets was authorised to use its weapons and shot down the drone. The military continued monitoring the airspace in the area to ensure that there were no other objects posing a threat.

The drone is preliminarily believed to be of Russian origin. However, Romanian authorities have not yet officially confirmed its origin. Fragments of the UAV are expected to be examined by specialists to determine its type, origin and possible flight objective.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and an increase in cases involving Russian drones or their debris appearing near or directly inside the airspace of NATO countries bordering Ukraine. Romania’s eastern regions are located close to Ukrainian territories that are regularly targeted by Russian strikes.

According to preliminary data, this was the fourth incident involving the interception of a drone over Romanian territory in 2026. Each such incident has prompted increased airspace surveillance and a heightened state of readiness among NATO forces in the region.

The deployment of Spanish F-18s to Romania is part of NATO’s efforts to strengthen the alliance’s eastern flank. The fighter jets participate in airspace patrols and are prepared to respond rapidly to potential violations by aerial objects.

Bucharest stresses that enhanced air patrols are necessary to protect Romanian airspace and prevent potential risks to the population and critical infrastructure.

The latest incident also demonstrates how closely Romania’s security is linked to developments in the war in neighbouring Ukraine. The areas around the Danube and the Black Sea are particularly sensitive, as they host important transport, energy and military infrastructure.

#RUSSIA

#NATO

#UKRAINE

#ROMANIA

17.08.2026 02:56