Romania scrambles F-16 jets after aerial targets detected near border

Romania’s Ministry of National Defence (MoND) said its radar systems detected aerial targets north of Tulcea County at around 10:00 a.m. local time on March 13, in the area between Chilia Veche and Vâlcove, near the border with Ukraine.

In response, Romanian air defence systems were placed on alert, and two F-16 fighter jets from the 86th Borcea Air Base were scrambled to conduct reconnaissance and monitor the country’s airspace, Caliber.Az reports, citing the ministry.

On Friday, March 13, the MoND radar systems detected, around 10:00 am, aerial targets north of Tulcea County (Chilia Veche-Vâlcove area).
Two F-16 aircraft from the 86th Borcea Air Base were scrambled to recon and monitor the airspace.https://t.co/UTnlO0w1NH pic.twitter.com/JWB3J0G0Ps

— MApN (@MApNRomania) March 13, 2026

At approximately 10:05 a.m., authorities issued a RO-ALERT emergency warning to residents in the affected area, advising them of the potential aerial threat.

According to the ministry, preliminary data indicates that debris from a drone may have fallen on Romanian territory near Chilia Veche. Specialised teams have been placed on standby and are prepared to begin search operations on the ground.

The Ministry of National Defence said further details will be released as more information becomes available.

By Sabina Mammadli