Romania's radar system did not detect drone that exploded in Port of Constanța, ministry says

Romania's Ministry of Internal Affairs has clarified why a maritime drone that exploded in the Port of Constanța on June 5 was not intercepted by the country's maritime surveillance system. The incident, occurring near Romania's border with Ukraine amidst the ongoing war, has reignited concerns about the effectiveness of Romanian authorities in safeguarding citizens from drone incursions.

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For the correct information of the public, we specify that the Integrated Maritime Surveillance System - SCOMAR - operates within the technical and operational parameters for which it was designed, developed and integrated into the activity of the Border Police.

The ministry explained that the Integrated Maritime Surveillance System (SCOMAR) operates within its designed parameters but is not a military anti-drone system. SCOMAR is primarily intended for border surveillance, monitoring naval traffic, and combating illegal migration and cross-border crime. It is optimized to detect vessels larger than 6 meters.

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SCOMAR is an integrated maritime surveillance system, not a singular radar and not a military anti-drone system.

According to the ministry, the drone that detonated in Constanța Port had technical characteristics significantly different from the vessels SCOMAR is configured to detect. The unmanned maritime drone was described as a small platform with a very low detection profile and a reduced radar signature, unlike the larger boats and ships for which the system is optimized.

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The incident in Constanța Port concerns a different technical category of targets than those for which SCOMAR was designed and operationally configured.

Despite assurances from authorities that the situation is under control following previous drone-related incidents, the recent explosion in Constanța Port has again prompted public questioning regarding Romania's capacity to defend its territory and citizens. The incident highlights a potential gap in surveillance capabilities concerning smaller, less detectable aerial or maritime threats.

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The unmanned maritime drone identified in the port has specific characteristics of a small-sized platform, with a very low detection profile and a reduced radar signature, different from the profile of the boats and ships for which the system is optimized.