NATO scrambled four fighter jets - two Romanian F-16s and two Italian Eurofighters - after an unidentified drone appeared over Romanian territory. This is stated in an official statement from the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe of NATO, reports UNN.
Details
On the morning of July 24, two Romanian F-16 fighter jets from Fetești Air Base and two Italian Eurofighters from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base took to the air under NATO command and control.
The purpose of the flight was to identify an unknown unmanned aerial vehicle that flew near Romania's airspace.
According to NATO, the drone was quickly identified. After it crossed Romania's airspace, Alliance forces were authorized to engage it.
Shortly thereafter, the threat was shot down in Romanian airspace. These joint multinational efforts underscore that NATO is ready and able to respond to any potential air threats around the clock to protect our territory and defend our citizens
The downing of the drone comes amid active procurement by NATO, Romania, and other countries of ground-based interceptors to enhance the air defense capabilities of allies and member states.
Romania, in particular, has acquired the MEROPS counter-drone system, which is designed to intercept small unmanned aerial vehicles.
The investigation is ongoing, and NATO, according to the official statement, is in close contact with the Romanian authorities.
Recall
A Romanian pilot on an F-16 shot down a drone that entered the country's airspace. The incident occurred over an uninhabited area near the city of Padina.