Romania to deploy AI air defence system after Black Sea tests

Romania is set to deploy a US-developed, artificial intelligence-powered air defence system within days following final tests conducted at a Black Sea military range, as concerns grow over drone incursions linked to the war in neighbouring Ukraine, Reuters reports.

The system, known as Merops, was tested at the Capu Midia Air Defence Training Range and is produced by Project Eagle, a company founded by former Google chief Eric Schmidt. Romania’s Defence Minister Radu Miruta said the system would be put into operation “in a matter of days.”

Romania, a member of NATO and the European Union, shares a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Ukraine and has repeatedly reported Russian drone incursions into its airspace during attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure across the Danube River.

With drone threats increasing along NATO’s eastern flank, allied countries are intensifying efforts to strengthen air defence systems.

“The threat is real,” said Major General Arnoud Stallmann, assistant chief of staff at NATO’s Allied Command Transformation, speaking at the test site located about 80 kilometres from the Ukrainian frontline. “And with the incursions in NATO-allied countries of drones, we needed a solution for that.”

Romania and NATO conducted a two-week testing program involving interceptor drones, radar systems, sensors and electronic jamming equipment developed by private companies, while also evaluating the performance of existing systems.

According to NATO sources, the Merops system—already in use in Ukraine and Poland—includes a ground control station, launchers and Surveyor interceptor drones capable of operating autonomously using artificial intelligence and radar.

Miruta described the tests as partially successful, noting that one interceptor missed its target after manoeuvring too sharply. However, he praised the system’s thermal imaging, radar precision and target engagement capabilities.

He said the system would help counter drone threats along the Danube River, adding: “Merops reduces the number of scenarios we cannot handle.”

Romania’s current air defence arsenal includes F-16 fighter jets, Patriot missile systems, Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS rocket launchers, short-range South Korean Chiron surface-to-air missiles and German Gepard anti-aircraft systems.

Separately, Romania and Ukraine are planning joint drone production under the European Union’s SAFE rearmament funding mechanism.

By Tamilla Hasanova