BUCHAREST, Romania β Romanian authorities scrambled F-16 fighter jets after a maritime drone carrying explosives was detected dangerously close to the Neptun Deep offshore gas project in the Black Sea, triggering a rapid military and emergency response.
The incident occurred on August 20 after a commercial vessel reported the suspicious craft at approximately 6:28 a.m. local time. Authorities said the unmanned vessel was drifting several hundred meters from the Neptun Alpha production platform, roughly 80 nautical miles, or 148 kilometers, east of ConstanΘa and within Romaniaβs exclusive economic zone.
Because of the droneβs proximity to critical energy infrastructure and offshore personnel, the Romanian Coast Guard immediately notified the Ministry of National Defence. Officials established an emergency command cell to assess the potential threat and determine an appropriate response.
Interim Defence Minister Radu MiruΘΔ said authorities concluded that the situation required immediate action. Following consultations with President NicuΘor Dan, Romanian forces were authorized to neutralize the vessel.
F-16s Scrambled
Two Romanian Air Force F-16s were dispatched to the area. One fighter engaged the maritime drone with its onboard cannon, damaging the vessel and reducing the immediate danger.
The damaged craft, however, remained afloat and continued drifting, prompting authorities to initiate a second phase of the operation.
A Romanian Coast Guard vessel carrying an explosive ordnance disposal team from the Romanian Naval Forces was sent to the location. EOD specialists examined the craft and confirmed that it contained an explosive charge.
The specialists subsequently carried out a controlled detonation, safely eliminating the remaining threat. Romaniaβs Defence Ministry released video showing elements of the fighter-jet engagement and the subsequent disposal operation.
Questions Over the Droneβs Origin
Romanian officials also investigated the vesselβs origin. MiruΘΔ said authorities contacted Ukraine through a recently established direct communication channel and received confirmation that the drone was not Ukrainian.
President Dan condemned the incident and attributed responsibility to Russia, warning that such episodes highlight the growing security risks facing Romania and other NATO members along the Black Sea.
The incident comes after other drone-related security concerns near the Neptun Deep development. Earlier in August, Romanian forces reportedly destroyed two Russian-made Gerbera-type aerial drones found near the offshore energy project.
Strategic Energy Infrastructure
Neptun Deep is considered strategically important to Romaniaβs energy security and the wider European market. Developed by OMV Petrom and Romgaz, the project is expected to significantly increase Romaniaβs natural-gas production when full-scale operations begin in 2027.
The latest episode highlights the challenges posed by unmanned systems operating near NATO territory and critical infrastructure amid Russiaβs continuing war against Ukraine.
Romanian authorities say they remain on heightened alert and will continue coordinating with NATO partners to protect the countryβs territorial waters, offshore energy facilities and personnel.
The incident underscores the growing importance of rapid-response capabilities as security risks continue to increase across the Black Sea region.
