Romania destroys Russian drones near Neptun Deep gas project

Romanian military divers have destroyed two Russian Gerbera drones found drifting in the Black Sea. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were located within Romania’s exclusive economic zone, near the Neptun Deep offshore gas installation approximately 165 kilometers from Constanța.

Acting Defense Minister Radu Miruță stated that a work vessel first spotted the devices, prompting a Coast Guard response. The drones were identified as Russian-made Gerbera models, which are used for reconnaissance and diversionary operations and can sometimes carry explosives. While the Romanian government did not explicitly name the origin of the drones, officials consulted with Ukrainian counterparts who confirmed the devices did not belong to the Ukrainian military.

The drones were destroyed using underwater explosives to ensure the safety of maritime routes and ongoing activities at the gas platform. No injuries or damage to infrastructure were reported. This incident follows a pattern of increasing tensions along NATO’s eastern flank.