Romanian F-16s intercept explosive-laden marine drone near Black Sea gas platform
Romanian air force shot down a marine drone that approached the Neptun Deep offshore gas project, with officials attributing the incident to Russian activity.
Romanian authorities reported that a marine drone suspected of carrying explosives approached the Neptun Deep offshore gas platform in the Black Sea. Within a few hundred metres of the installation, two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled and destroyed the drone, Defence Minister Radu Miruta said the action was taken to protect the personnel working on the site. The Neptun Deep project, a joint venture between OMV Petrom and Romgaz, is slated to become the European Union’s largest gas producer when it begins operations in 2027.
Romanian President Nicolae Ciucă attributed the intrusion to Russia, stating that such incidents are “irresponsible” and that Romania remains vigilant together with NATO allies. The European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen also warned of a “hybrid warfare” campaign targeting the bloc, calling for stronger defence measures, though she did not name a specific state.
NATO officials noted that Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey have previously neutralised more than 150 mines in the Black Sea and have expanded a joint task force to protect critical infrastructure. Earlier this month, Romanian divers destroyed two additional unmanned devices near the same offshore zone.