How the Romanian authorities acted in the case of the Russian drone that entered the Romanian airspace. MApN's details
A Geran drone, used by the Russian Federation in the attacks on Ukraine, entered the air space of Romania on Saturday, September 13, at 6:05 pm. It was intercepted by two Romanian F-16 aircraft, on a patrol mission in northern Dobrogea, a statement of the Ministry of National Defense is shown.
The pilots had the authorization to break the target, but decided not to open the fire. Photo: Mapn
The drone orbit for about 50 minutes, moving from the northeast of Chilia Veche to the south-west of Izmail, leaving the air space later near Pardina and heading back to Ukraine.
The F-16 aircraft have maintained visual contact and intermittent radar throughout the evolution of the drone. The pilots had the authorization to bring down the target, but, evaluating the collateral risks, they decided not to open the fire.
The support of the Allies and the reaction of Romania
In support of the Romanian aircraft, two German Eurofighter Typhoon, dislocated at the base of Mihail Kogălniceanu, monitored the area until 9:30 pm.
The Ministry of National Defense has condemned the actions “irresponsible ” of the Russian Federation, stressing that they represent a challenge to the regional security and the stability of the Black Sea.
“Such incidents demonstrate the lack of respect of the Russian federation towards the norms of international law and endanger not only the safety of the Romanian citizens, but also the collective security of NATO“, The ministry said.
Romania remains firmly engaged in fulfilling the obligations as a NATO member state and will continue the collaboration with the partners and allies for the monitoring and defense of the national air space.
Legal framework for drone downs
Law no. 73/2025 regulates the breaking of drones and air vehicles that enter unauthorized in the national airspace. Article 18 stipulates that:
“The measures provided for in Art. 11 are ordered in relation to the level of threat, within the limits of the applicable international law, after all the specific circumstances of the event have been taken into account and taking into account the priority of protecting the lives of persons, the last possible solution being to destroy the aircraft that uses the national air space.“
At the same time, the Minister of National Defense signed in July 2025 the order by which the authorization of the drones restores rests with the commanders designated through the operating plans.
The ministry has ensured the public opinion that all the necessary measures to guarantee national security are permanently applied and that the defense structures are prepared to respond promptly to any similar situation.
