Romania Scrambles F-16 Jets, Downs Suspected Russian Drone

Romania shot down a suspected Russian drone that crossed into its airspace on Sunday, marking the third such incursion in three days, President Nicusor Dan said. Two Romanian F-16s scrambled from Fetesti under NATO’s operational command and destroyed the drone over the Black Sea, the alliance said, adding that it occurred at 10:13 over the Sulina-Chilia area near Romania’s territorial waters. Romania also said one of earlier intercepted drones appeared to be a Shahed-type used in Russia’s war against Ukraine. NATO’s SHAPE spokesperson noted Romania has downed drones over Estonia as well. Romania has fielded its MEROPS counter-drone system and is hardening NATO’s eastern border.