Romania Deploys F-16 Jets To Destroy Explosive-Laden Drone Near Black Sea Gas Project

Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets on Thursday to destroy a marine drone carrying explosives after it was spotted a few hundred metres from the Neptun Deep gas project in the Black Sea, Defence Minister Radu Miruță said.

The drone was detected by the Romanian Coast Guard in the country’s exclusive economic zone, near the Neptun Alpha platform. Several hundred people were working at the site at the time.

One of the F-16 jets fired its onboard cannon and hit the drone. A vessel later reached the area and completed its destruction, Miruță said. He later confirmed that the drone was carrying explosives.

The minister said the decision to destroy the drone was taken to protect the workers and the offshore infrastructure.

Romania did not identify where the drone came from. Miruță said Romanian officials contacted Ukraine through a newly established communication channel and received confirmation that the drone did not belong to Ukrainian forces.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan blamed Russia for the incident and condemned what he called an increase in irresponsible incidents by Moscow in the Black Sea.

Russia had not immediately commented.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the incident as part of an “escalating campaign of threats”.

More Drone Incidents Near Neptun Deep

The latest incident follows other drone-related incidents near the Neptun Deep project this month.

Earlier in August, Romanian army divers destroyed two Gerbera-type drones found drifting in Romania’s exclusive economic zone near the offshore gas project.

On Aug. 16, Romanian naval specialists recovered a drone wing near the Neptun Alpha platform after a commercial vessel spotted it.

Romania has also reported Russian drones entering its airspace during the past four years. Mines have also drifted through the Black Sea, including across important trade and energy routes.

Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey, all NATO members, have neutralised more than 150 mines drifting across Black Sea trade lanes. In July, the three countries agreed to expand their joint task force so it could also carry out missions to protect critical infrastructure.

Neptun Deep Gas Project

Neptun Deep is Romania’s largest natural gas project. Development began in 2023, and the first gas is expected in 2027.

The project is jointly owned by OMV Petrom and state-owned gas producer Romgaz. It is expected to help Romania become the European Union’s largest natural gas producer once production begins.

Romania shares a 614-km (382-mile) land border with Ukraine and is a NATO member.

The security of Neptun Deep has attracted attention because of its location in the Black Sea and the risks created by Russia’s war in Ukraine. NATO allies have previously raised concerns about protecting the offshore project from possible drone attacks.

Von der Leyen said the European Union was increasing efforts to respond to drone threats through initiatives including the European Drone Defence Initiative and Eastern Flank Watch.

References: Reuters, politico