The Danger of Drones
In recent days, there have been further incidents involving drones in Romanian airspace.
Daniela Budu, 02.11.2026, 14:00
The danger posed by drones illegally entering Romania’s airspace is a real and growing problem, given the Russian Federation’s war against neighboring Ukraine. On Saturday, the Romanian authorities once again issued warnings, including Ro-Alert messages, across six counties in the country’s northeast, after military radar detected two drones that had entered national airspace without authorization. The Inspectorate for Emergency Situations advised residents in these areas to seek safety in civil protection shelters or cellars; if neither is available, they should remain indoors, staying away from doors and windows. Furthermore, residents were instructed not to approach any crashed objects they might encounter, but instead to notify the authorities immediately. Moreover, airspace in the northeastern part of the country was temporarily restricted. Four military aircraft and one helicopter were scrambled to monitor the situation. In light of these recent incidents, the Foreign Minister Dan Neculăescu commended the prompt and professional response of the Romanian Air Force, noting that Romania is making a tangible contribution to strengthening Allied defense. In a social media post, the head of Romanian diplomacy emphasized the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
A similar message was also posted by the Defense Minister, Radu Oprea, who reiterated that the safety of citizens and the protection of the national airspace remain absolute priorities. Official data released by the Defense Ministry indicate that, over the course of this year, dozens of unauthorized drone incursions into Romania’s national airspace have occurred. Six drones were destroyed in mid-air by defense forces, including Romanian F-16s and Spanish F-18s. Furthermore, according to data published by the Bucharest-based ministry, dozens of drones, or fragments of them have been identified, recovered, or neutralized within Romanian territory.
Since the beginning of the year, approximately 100 attacks have been recorded near Romania’s border, with military aircraft scrambled in about 80 instances. Furthermore, Romanian military personnel have neutralized naval mines found drifting within the exclusive economic zone or washed ashore. According to figures from the Ministry of National Defense, since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, a total of over 160 attacks have been recorded near Romania’s border, with military aircraft scrambled on approximately 110 occasions. Over the past five years, there have been more than 50 unauthorized incursions into national airspace or maritime territory. (LS)
