Anti-drone system in the port of Constanta
Autonomous drone detection systems have been installed in the port of Constanta, in southeastern Romania
Mihai Pelin, 28.07.2026, 14:00
Two Triton systems have become operational in Romania, in the Black Sea port of Constanta. The equipment, designed to detect and monitor sea drones, has been placed in the area of the northern and the southern piers. The systems will be operated by personnel of the US-based manufacturer, Ocean Aero.
According to the authorities, the operation of Triton does not affect navigation safety and complies with all security measures in the port waters. The goal of the two state-of-the-art systems is to identify the most efficient solutions for protecting the port infrastructure and enhancing the response capacity in case of security risks. The measure also aims to strengthen the safety for companies operating in the port.
Triton can navigate autonomously for over 30 days, using exclusively solar and wind energy, reaching speeds of up to 5 knots (approx. 9 km/h). In submersible mode, it can operate for 10 days at a speed of 2 knots (approx. 3.7 km/h). The system collects data from the marine environment above and below water level, to monitor and secure the port area. The data is transmitted in real time to the command centre, allowing for rapid interventions in risk situations.
The systems were installed after on June 5 a Ukrainian sea drone that had lost control because of Russian jamming self-detonated in the port of Constanta. Law enforcement and security structures moved promptly at that time and evacuated the area before the blast, which made no victims.
Because of the war in the neighbouring country, drone incidents were reported not only at sea, but also in the air. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Russian drones have violated Romanian airspace over 30 times. This year alone, 18 unauthorised entries into Romanian airspace have been recorded, and the most serious incident occurred on May 29, when such a device hit an apartment building in Galaţi, wounding two people. This weekend, three drones were shot down in three consecutive days by Romanian Air Force F-16 aircraft.
The Russian ambassador to Bucharest was summoned to the foreign ministry head offices on Monday, when he was presented with fragments of one of the drones destroyed on Romanian territory and told that one of the mission’s diplomats would have to leave Romania. The Romanian side also firmly protested against what it called “illegal and irresponsible actions.” Moscow categorically dismissed the accusations, calling them a “propaganda stunt” and warning that Romania risks being drawn into war. (AMP)
