Romania Intercepts Second Suspected Russian Drone in Two Days

• •Romania shot down a second suspected Russian drone on July 25, 2026.
• •The drone breaches are part of a pattern of increased Russian drone activity near NATO borders.
• •Romania has experienced approximately 30 airspace violations since the start of the Ukraine conflict.

On July 25, 2026, Romania's F-16 fighter jet shot down a suspected Russian drone that entered its airspace, marking the second interception in two days. The drone was destroyed around 8:30 a.m. local time, approximately 10 kilometers west of Sfântu Gheorghe, in an uninhabited area. Romanian authorities have not confirmed the drone's type, but it coincides with reports of Russian jet-powered drones near Ukraine. This incident follows a similar event on July 24, where another drone was shot down, raising concerns among NATO members about airspace violations. Romania has reported around 30 airspace breaches since the onset of the conflict, with increasing Russian drone activity noted. The Romanian Ministry of National Defense confirmed the engagement, emphasizing the ongoing threat from Russian aerial attacks.