On September 14, 2025, at approximately 18:05 local time, a Russian drone used in attacks on Ukraine entered Romanian airspace near Pardina in northern Dobruja. The drone remained in Romanian airspace for about 50 minutes, during which Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter jets, conducting an air patrol, made intermittent visual and radar contact and approached the drone closely but refrained from shooting it down due to collateral risk concerns. Romania’s Ministry of National Defense condemned the incursion as irresponsible, emphasizing the threat to regional security and NATO’s collective defense. Romanian Foreign Minister summoned Russian ambassador Vladimir Lipaev, who rejected the claims, labeling them provocations by Kyiv. The incident follows recent drone violations of Polish airspace causing NATO allies to reinforce eastern flank defenses. The EU’s High Representative Kaja Kallas condemned the violation, stressing solidarity with Romania, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed calls for sanctions against Russia and stronger collective defense measures before further Russian attacks escalate.
Category: Military & Paramilitary Operations
Subcategory: Conventional Military Pressure
Incident Type: Airspace violations
Country: Romania
Source report: edition.cnn.com/2025/09/1…
