Romanian F-16 destroys maritime drone near Neptun Deep platform

A Romanian F-16 fighter jet destroyed a maritime drone detected just a few hundred metres from works at the Neptun Deep gas platform in Romania’s exclusive economic zone, according to Romanian authorities.

The Coast Guard reported the drone’s presence on the morning of August 20, around 80 nautical miles east of Constanța. Two F-16 aircraft were deployed and authorised to open fire, Caliber.Az reports via Constanta INFO.

Romania’s interim Defence Minister Radu Miruță said the drone was carrying explosives and did not originate from Ukraine.

“This morning, we were informed by the Coast Guard of the presence of a maritime drone a few hundred metres from the works being carried out for gas extraction at the Neptun Deep platform, in the exclusive economic zone, 80 miles east of Constanța,” Miruță said.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation.