Romanian F-16 fighter jets shoot down two drones over Romanian territorial waters

Romanian F-16 fighter jets shot down two drones over Romania’s territorial waters on Saturday, the country’s defense ministry said. Defence Minister Radu Miruta said the drones were likely the latest-generation Russian types, citing speeds around 450 km/h and suggesting they were Geran-4 drones with turboprop engines. He said it was the first time Romania had shot down drones like these. The incident came days after two chemical tankers were hit by drones near the Black Sea coast, with both vessels anchored near the Sulina Canal, an export route linking the Danube to the Black Sea. Romania shares a 614-km border with Ukraine and has reported repeated Russian drone incursions since the 2022 invasion. NATO Romania said it is ready to respond 24/7.