Romania destroys sea drone near gas project, president blames Russia

Romania scrambled F-16 fighter jets to destroy a sea drone that approached within a few hundred meters of the Neptun Deep gas project in the Black Sea. Defense Minister Radu Miruta announced the incident on Thursday, stating the drone was eliminated to protect the lives of hundreds of workers on the platform and secure critical infrastructure.

The Neptun Deep gas project is slated to begin production in 2027 and is expected to make Romania the European Union's largest gas producer. Miruta did not disclose the drone's origin, but confirmed Ukraine had stated it did not belong to them.

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To protect the lives of hundreds of people working on the platform and to secure critical infrastructure, we decided to destroy the sea drone.

President Nicusor Dan of Romania strongly condemned the action, accusing Russia of "irresponsible actions" and vowing vigilance alongside NATO allies. The incident underscores the escalating threats to vital energy infrastructure in the Black Sea due to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Russian drones have violated Romanian airspace multiple times in the past four years, and mines have drifted into shipping and energy transport routes. Romania, along with Bulgaria and Turkey, are NATO members bordering the Black Sea, and have collectively neutralized over 150 mines found in shipping lanes.

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I strongly condemn such an increase in irresponsible actions by the Russian Federation. We will remain vigilant together with our NATO allies to counter such threats.