Romania uses F-16s against drones, minister explains need for dedicated systems

Romania is employing F-16 fighter jets to intercept drones in its national airspace, a tactic interim Defense Minister Radu Miruță acknowledges is not the standard approach. While ground-based anti-drone solutions are in use, Miruță stated that "we need more." He announced that dedicated anti-drone systems are expected to arrive in Romania starting in November or December, following the finalization of procurement contracts.

“

The fight with fighter jets against drones is not a classic way to shoot down drones. There is a classic way, with anti-drone solutions from the ground, which Romania has within the limits it has and uses them optimally where it considers. That is, we need more.

Miruță expressed that Romania would be in a significantly better position to combat drone threats if past governments had prioritized investments in these capabilities. He suggested that the procurement of military equipment had often been viewed as a business opportunity rather than a strategic necessity. Upon taking office in December, he observed the military's insufficient anti-drone capabilities and initiated acquisition procedures.

“

If there had been concern from the political sphere, from the governments, to equip the Romanian Army with capabilities to fight against drones, today we would be in a much better situation. This concern did not exist. The area of equipping the army was often seen as a business for some and for others.

Until the new systems are delivered, Romania is relying on its existing resources and the support of its allies. Miruță emphasized that the Romanian military is consistently doing its utmost with available means. This comes after the Romanian Air Force downed a drone illegally entering its airspace for the second time in less than 24 hours, with a previous incident involving an F-16 intercepting a drone near Sfântu Gheorghe in the Danube Delta.

“

I arrived at the Ministry of Defense in December last year, when I noticed that the Romanian Army does not have sufficient capabilities to fight against any anti-drone context. In a few months, through the SAFE program, I ordered and contracted these capabilities. They do not come overnight.