A Romanian F-16 fighter jet shot down a drone that entered its airspace on Friday. According to President Nicusor Dan, this is the first time the NATO member state has done so following a series of such incursions.
Two F-16s and two Eurofighter Typhoons were scrambled to intercept the drone as it strayed into Romanian territory. Romania's Ministry of Defence stated that the jet engaged the drone with an air-to-air missile while carrying out an air policing mission.
Defence Minister Radu Miruta said the impact site and drone wreckage are currently being analysed, adding that the pattern is consistent with previous confirmed flights by Russian drones.
The incident adds to concern that Moscow’s war on Ukraine risks spilling over to entangle neighbouring NATO states.