Romania scrambles jets amid Russian drone attacks on Odesa region

In the early hours of December 26, Romania urgently deployed F-16 fighter jets in response to Russian drone attacks targeting the Odesa region.

According to the Romanian Ministry of Defence, two jets from the 86th Air Base in Fetești took off to monitor the air situation near the northern border area of Tulcea County, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The air surveillance system detected groups of drones sent by Russia toward Ukrainian ports on the Danube.

Residents in the northern part of Tulcea County were warned of an air alert. Romanian pilots reported no violations of national airspace during the mission, and the aircraft safely returned to base.

During a December visit to Paris, Romanian President Nicușor Dan emphasised that the country is prepared to take action and shoot down drones that violate its airspace. 

In September, Romania’s Supreme Council of National Defence approved a methodology for using national legislation to neutralise drones and military aircraft entering the country’s airspace.

By Jeyhun Aghazada