Anti-drone system in Romania
Romania will soon have a functional anti-drone system, which will contribute to the defense of the country's airspace.
Leyla Cheamil, 21.01.2026, 13:50
General Alexus Grynkewich, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the Commander of United States European Command, voiced appreciation of the United States’ partnership with Romania, even though Washington has withdrawn some of its military deployed in the country. The partnership with Romania is also improved by bringing Abrams tanks, the American general also said. He also said that Romania is a valuable ally, highlighting its role as a NATO member country. The most important military official of the North Atlantic Alliance visited, alongside the Chief of the Defense Staff in Bucharest, General Gheorghiţă Vlad, the Multinational Group Southeast Command in Sibiu (center), as well as the “Getica” National Training Center in Cincu. Alexus Grynkewich said he is deeply grateful for Romania’s commitments to the alliance and said that Russia was discouraged from attacking due to the level of training of the Romanian Army.
In turn, General Gheorghiţă Vlad announced that Romania will soon have an operational anti-drone system purchased from the United States. The system, called MEROPS, is currently undergoing testing and, once operational, will contribute to the defense of Romania’s airspace, Gheorghiţă Vlad said. The American general said that he is convinced that this anti-drone system, a broader NATO effort within the Eastern Sentry operation to strengthen air defense on the eastern flank, will prove its efficiency. As you integrate this system, I look forward to Romania demonstrating its ability to shoot down drones and protect our citizens, said Alexus Grynkewich. He stressed that the war in Ukraine has taught NATO about drones and the technology to counter them.
Since November 2025, Polish soldiers have been training to test the new US-designed Russian drone countermeasure system, with a drone being launched as part of the test. The drone, guided by a pilot from a nearby control center searching for the target, is a replica of the attack drones that Moscow regularly uses to strike Ukraine. On NATO’s recommendation, Poland and Romania quickly acquired MEROPS systems to cover their short-term deficiencies. The technology has proven its effectiveness by shooting down Russian drones in Ukraine. The system, which can use artificial intelligence to target enemy drones, is one of many similar systems that NATO member countries are testing in an attempt to accelerate the deployment of new capabilities. (EE)
