Romania scrambles F-16 jets and downs a suspected Russian drone, the third in 3 days
- Romania scrambled F-16s and shot down a suspected Russian drone over the Black Sea — the third incursion in three days (and the fourth recent interception involving Romania and NATO).
- One earlier drone was identified as a Russian "Shahed" type, and a stray drone in May even hit an apartment in Romania, highlighting spillover risks from the war in Ukraine.
- NATO has been supporting Romania (F-16s under NATO command, new MEROPS counter‑drone systems) and allies like Belgium have pledged backing and troops on the eastern flank.