Romanian Defense Minister Demands Port Security Overhaul After Drone Incident

Romania's interim Defense Minister Radu Miruță is demanding immediate action to bolster security at the strategic Port of Constanța after a maritime drone penetrated the port and exploded on June 5. Miruță stated that the port must develop its own security systems capable of identifying any unauthorized entry, emphasizing that the existing measures are insufficient.

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It is mandatory that the port itself has methods to realize if someone enters the port without permission.

Miruță explained that the drone's design, including its low flight altitude and minimal metallic components, made it difficult for standard maritime radars to detect. However, he stressed that once a drone approaches a critical infrastructure like the Port of Constanța, detection should be a given. "It is mandatory that the port itself has methods to realize if someone enters the port without permission," he said in an interview with Euronews România.

The minister expressed serious concern over the port's apparent lack of awareness and preparedness for such threats. "Port of Constanța has not managed to realize something like this, which seems very serious to me," he stated. He highlighted that the port, with its well-known access points, should have independent, enhanced security measures beyond those provided by the Coast Guard or the Ministry of Defense.

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Port of Constanța has not managed to realize something like this, which seems very serious to me.

Following discussions with port representatives, Miruță has issued a formal request for concrete security improvements. The port's management has been given a strict three-month deadline to present and implement a viable security solution for the port's entrance area. This directive comes after an analysis revealed that the current security infrastructure was inadequate to counter such threats, underscoring the urgent need for rapid solutions to prevent similar incidents.

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I have sent an official letter signed by me, as minister, in which I asked those from Port of Constanța to have a security solution in the port entrance area within three months.