Romanian Defense Minister: Drone Shootdowns Show Military Effectiveness, Dismisses Cost Criticism

Romania has successfully defended its airspace, demonstrating the effectiveness of its national defense measures, according to Defense Minister Radu Miruță. He highlighted the recent downing of two drones that violated Romanian territory on consecutive days as proof of the military's firm response.

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Romania has demonstrated one simple thing: it defends its territory and reacts firmly, and in these days, the capabilities available to the Romanian Army in the given context have made a successful intervention possible.

Miruță addressed what he termed "disinformation" circulating in public discourse. He specifically refuted the notion that using advanced military assets like F-16 fighter jets against drones was a disproportionate response. "The calculation is not made by comparing the price of a missile to the price of a drone," Miruță stated. "Human lives and the safety of the communities we protect are factored in, and these have no price."

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The calculation is not made by comparing the price of a missile to the price of a drone. Human lives and the safety of the communities we protect are factored in, and these have no price.

While acknowledging that ground-based air defense systems have limited range, Miruță explained that F-16s are a last resort, deployed when necessary to protect the population and infrastructure. He also noted that Romania is accelerating its military modernization and acquisition programs, particularly for combating aerial threats. The minister announced plans for a new program, SAFE, which has contracted drone defense systems with rapid implementation and domestic production.

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I see that some of those who declare themselves 'sovereignists' are more bothered that the Romanian Army did its duty than by the fact that Russian drones violated our airspace.

Miruță criticized some "sovereignists" for appearing more concerned about the military performing its duty than about Russian drones breaching Romanian airspace. He emphasized that Romania's borders, airspace, and sovereignty are non-negotiable, and that NATO is functioning effectively. The Romanian Army is fulfilling its role with available resources, and the country will continue investing in the defense of its citizens, territory, and the eastern flank of the Alliance.

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Romania's borders, airspace, and sovereignty are non-negotiable. NATO is functioning, the Romanian Army is doing its duty to the best of its ability with what it has available, and we will continue to invest in the defense of citizens, national territory, and the eastern flank of the Alliance.