Romania detects drone incursion near Ukraine border, launches F‑16 alerts

Romanian radar systems detected an aerial target in the Danube river corridor close to the Ukraine border on 2 August. Two Romanian F‑16 fighters from the Borcea base were scrambled to monitor the object, and a RO‑Alert was issued for residents of Tulcea County. The drone remained in Romanian airspace for about 20 minutes before exiting back toward Ukraine, where it was shot down by Ukrainian forces. Fragments fell on agricultural land near the village of Periprava, about one kilometre from the border; no injuries or material damage were reported.

The incident is part of a series of recent air‑space violations. Earlier in July, Romanian forces intercepted three drones, prompting Bucharest to expel a Russian diplomatic staff member and to recall its ambassador from Moscow. Romania presented the case to the OSCE, receiving statements of concern from 41 participating states. The Ministry of Defence continues to reinforce border security and to issue precautionary instructions to the public.

These events underscore heightened tensions along the Romania‑Ukraine frontier, with Romania attributing the incursions to Russian drones, while Ukraine denies involvement.