Romania seeks stronger air defense after drone strike

Romania is pushing to enhance its air defense systems following a drone strike in Galati last Friday. While officials have stated there is no evidence the attack on a 10-story building was intentional, they hold Russia responsible for the incident, which occurred more than four years into its invasion of Ukraine. Oana Toiu, a presidential advisor, emphasized the need to bolster air surveillance and defense capabilities across NATO's eastern flank.

"It is quite clear that we have to increase air surveillance and air defense capabilities along the entire NATO eastern flank," Toiu told journalists in Paris. She noted that the pressure on Romania is even greater due to its long border with Ukraine. Toiu indicated that while new equipment acquired through Romania's defense procurement process will take one to two years to be delivered, Bucharest is actively negotiating with NATO to strengthen its capabilities in the near future. Romania is also collaborating with Kyiv on a joint air defense project specifically targeting drones.

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It is quite clear that we have to increase air surveillance and air defense capabilities along the entire NATO eastern flank.

Toiu revealed that Romanian authorities were aware of the incoming drone on May 29 but decided against shooting it down, fearing that an air defense missile could cause damage on the ground. This incident marked the first time people were injured in Romania due to such an event, although Toiu mentioned there had been over 40 instances of drones entering Romanian territory previously. "There is a common understanding that we need to have better air defense, not only for Romania but for the entire eastern flank," she stated.

Romanian President Nicusor Dan recently confirmed that the drone involved was a "Geran-2" of Russian origin. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that the drone's origin could not be definitively determined without a thorough investigation. Toiu added that Kyiv is now holding the front line more firmly and is open to ceasefire negotiations. She stressed the need to increase pressure on Moscow to encourage diplomatic engagement, asserting that Russia cannot achieve a "complete victory" in the war.

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There is a common understanding that we need to have better air defense, not only for Romania but for the entire eastern flank.