Romania Seeks Drone Debris After Airspace Breach Amid Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

Romania's defense ministry is investigating possible drone fragments after an incursion into its airspace during a Russian overnight attack on Ukraine. Ukrainian defense intercepted 15 out of 23 drones and a missile. Romania, bordering Ukraine, has experienced repeated drone breaches. Legislation to counteract such incursions is pending approval.

Romania's defense ministry announced a search for possible drone debris after its national airspace was breached during a Russian attack on Ukraine overnight. Ukraine's air force reported that its defense units had successfully destroyed 15 of 23 attack drones and one guided missile launched by Russia.

As a NATO member sharing a 650-km (400-mile) border with Ukraine, Romania has frequently encountered stray Russian drone fragments over the last year. The Danube river makes Romanian territory mere meters from Ukrainian river ports that have been targets of repeated assaults.

The defense ministry noted that their radar surveillance system tracked a drone that entered and then exited their airspace towards Ukraine. Romania deployed two F-16 fighter jets to monitor the situation and alerted residents in southeastern Romanian counties Tulcea and Constanta to seek shelter.

According to the ministry, the impacted area is near the village of Periprava in an uninhabited region. Ministry personnel are currently investigating the site.

Legislation allowing Romania to shoot down drones during peacetime is still awaiting approval by Romanian lawmakers. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu confirmed the ongoing nature of the conflict and indicated that the attacks are likely to persist.

(With inputs from agencies.)