Romania Detonates Drifting Russian Drones Near Gas Field

Romanian military divers conducted a controlled detonation of two drifting Russian-made drones near a natural gas field in the Black Sea. The drones, identified as Gerbera model unmanned aerial systems, were found floating near the perimeter of Neptun Deep, Romania's largest natural gas project within its exclusive economic zone. The Romanian Navy's Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mihai Panait, reported the incident. Following the discovery, Romanian authorities contacted Ukraine, which stated the aircraft did not belong to them. Romania, a NATO and European Union member, shares a significant border with Ukraine, and has experienced numerous drone incursions since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Vice Admiral Panait noted that since the war began, 159 sea mines and eight drones have been located and destroyed in the Black Sea. Several drone incursions or approaches into Romanian airspace have also prompted scrambles by Romanian and NATO aircraft for interception.

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The drones were floating near the perimeter of Neptun Deep, the largest natural gas project within Romania's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea.