Romanian authorities said a drone that entered the country's airspace without authorization was intercepted and destroyed by Spanish F-18 fighter jets deployed under NATO's Air Policing mission, as officials investigate the aircraft's origin.

Romanian Defense Minister Radu-Dinel Miruță said the unmanned aircraft was detected by military radar near Galați in southeastern Romania, prompting NATO aircraft stationed in the country to scramble and intercept the target before it could travel deeper into Romanian airspace.

The drone was brought down over a sparsely populated area, with wreckage landing in a forest. Authorities said no casualties or damage to civilian property were reported, while recovery teams secured the impact site for further examination.

Authorities investigate drone's origin

Romanian officials said specialists are examining the wreckage to determine where the drone came from and whether it was involved in military activity near Romania's eastern border. No official attribution has been made so far.

Miruță praised the Spanish pilots serving under NATO's Air Policing mission and Romanian military personnel for their rapid response, describing the interception as an example of close cooperation between allied forces in protecting NATO airspace.

Repeated incursions heighten regional security concerns

Romania has experienced several drone incursions since the war in neighboring Ukraine escalated, reflecting growing security challenges along NATO's eastern flank. The latest incident follows previous cases in which drones entered Romanian airspace, prompting military responses and renewed concerns over regional security.

NATO has strengthened its air policing activities in Romania and across Eastern Europe in recent years, increasing aerial surveillance and rapid-response capabilities as part of broader efforts to safeguard allied territory and deter potential threats near the Black Sea region.(ILKHA)