Aerial alert in Galați: Drone shot down by Spanish F-18

An aerial alert was issued in Romania's Galați region early Sunday after a drone entered national airspace from Moldova. The drone was detected by surveillance systems at 4:44 a.m. approximately 24 kilometers north of Galați.

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In the night of August 15 to 16, at 04:44, the surveillance systems of the Ministry of National Defense detected the penetration of an aerial target into national airspace, from the Republic of Moldova, approximately 24 km north of Galați.

Spanish F-18 fighter jets, part of NATO's air policing mission at the Mihail Kogălniceanu airbase, were scrambled to intercept. After establishing radar contact and receiving authorization, the Spanish aircraft engaged the target, successfully downing the drone at 5:01 a.m.

The Ministry of National Defense reported that potential debris impact sites have been identified in a non-populated area between the villages of Băleni and Cudalbi in Galați County. Residents in the affected area received RO-Alert warnings.

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An F-18 aircraft of the Spanish Air and Space Force, carrying out Air Police Combat Service at the 57th Air Base 'Mihail Kogălniceanu', on a monitoring mission, made radar contact with the target and received engagement approval.

Authorities are currently investigating the crash site to locate the debris and determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. The aerial alert for Galați was maintained for approximately 36 minutes after the drone was shot down before being lifted. Romanian authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and keeping allied partners informed.

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A possible impact point of the drone's debris has been identified between the localities of Băleni and Cudalbi, Galați county, in a non-populated area.