Romania scrambles jets after Russian drones invade its airspace

Romania reported a significant incursion into its airspace by a Russian drone on September 13, 2025, near the country's southern border with Ukraine. This incident occurred while Russia was conducting attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, leading to increased tensions in the region. According to the Romanian Defense Ministry, the drone lingered in the airspace for around 50 minutes before returning toward Ukraine, prompting the scrambling of two F-16 fighter jets for monitoring and interception purposes. The jets made intermittent radar and visual contact with the drone, which had penetrated about 10 kilometers into Romania but did not pose an imminent threat to populated areas, according to Romanian officials. The international response has been significant, as Romania has condemned the actions of the Russian Federation as irresponsible and reckless. Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Țoiu stressed that such violations endanger not only the safety of Romanian citizens but also the collective security of NATO. The drone incursion is a continuation of escalating tensions between NATO allies and Russia, particularly as Poland had reported similar incursions just days before, leading to military readiness among NATO forces in the region. The situation raises questions about the evolving nature of the conflict and the need for a coordinated defense strategy among NATO countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly warned that these drone operations by Russia could be interpreted as a deliberate expansion of their military activities by invading neighboring airspaces. He urged for stronger sanctions against Russia and underscored the necessity of a collective defense system within NATO to respond effectively to such threats. The escalating incidents of drone incursions highlight the fragile security dynamics in Eastern Europe, particularly concerning the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine that began in February 2022 and continues to pose threats to regional stability. In response to the drone's presence, German forces stationed in Romania deployed Eurofighter Typhoon fighters to assist with monitoring efforts. Romania's swift military response serves as a reflection of the heightened alertness and preparedness among NATO nations in light of repeated Russian provocations. The Romanian Defense Ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining airspace security and coordinating closely with NATO allies to reinforce defensive measures against future incursions from Russia. This recent event underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea region and the challenges posed to NATO’s collective defense stature.