BUCHAREST, Romania — Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets after a maritime drone was discovered drifting near the strategically important Neptun Deep offshore natural-gas project in the Black Sea, triggering a rapid military response and the deployment of an explosive-ordnance disposal team.
The unmanned vessel was spotted by the crew of a commercial ship at approximately 6:28 a.m. local time on Aug. 20, according to Romania’s Ministry of National Defence. The drone was reportedly located several hundred meters from the Neptun Alpha offshore platform, roughly 80 nautical miles east of Constanța and within Romania’s exclusive economic zone.
Because of the drone’s proximity to critical energy infrastructure, Romanian authorities moved quickly to assess the potential threat. Two Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter jets were dispatched to the area to identify and monitor the unmanned craft.
One of the F-16s opened fire with its onboard cannon, striking the drone but failing to completely destroy it. Romanian authorities then sent a Coast Guard vessel carrying an explosive-ordnance disposal team from the Naval Forces to examine the damaged craft and determine whether it posed a continuing danger.
Explosive Charge Found
The subsequent inspection produced a significant finding: Romanian officials said the maritime drone was carrying an explosive charge.
According to the Defense Ministry, information gathered by the F-16 crews and the personnel aboard the responding vessel indicated that the incident involved a single unmanned craft. Romanian EOD specialists then took measures to neutralize the explosive device safely.
The discovery heightened concerns because the drone had been found close to an offshore energy installation where personnel and equipment are involved in the development of one of Romania’s most significant energy projects.
Authorities have not publicly determined who launched the maritime drone or where it originated.
Ukraine Denies Involvement
The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened security concerns across the Black Sea amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruță said Romanian officials contacted Ukraine through a direct communication channel and received confirmation that the drone was not operated by Ukrainian forces. Reuters reported that Romania had not publicly established the craft’s origin.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan criticized what he described as irresponsible incidents and said Romania would remain vigilant while working with its NATO allies. Russia has not publicly claimed responsibility for the maritime drone.
The discovery also followed other incidents near the Neptun Deep project earlier in August. Romanian naval explosive-ordnance specialists reportedly destroyed two Gerbera-type unmanned aerial systems that had been found drifting near the project’s perimeter. Ukrainian authorities likewise said those systems were not Ukrainian.
Energy Project Under Security Watch
The repeated discoveries have drawn attention to the security challenges surrounding offshore energy infrastructure in the Black Sea.
Neptun Deep is being developed jointly by OMV Petrom and Romgaz and is expected to begin natural-gas production in 2027. The project is projected to substantially increase Romania’s domestic gas output and could strengthen the country’s position in the regional European energy market.
Romania’s location on NATO’s southeastern flank places its Black Sea coastline close to a conflict zone where military activity, unmanned systems and maritime traffic have created increasingly complex security challenges.
The latest incident underscores the importance of rapid detection and response capabilities around critical offshore infrastructure. Romanian forces were able to locate, engage and inspect the unmanned vessel before the explosive charge was safely neutralized. No casualties or damage to the Neptun Alpha platform were reported in connection with the incident.
Romanian authorities continue to monitor the surrounding waters and coordinate with military and NATO partners as they work to protect offshore energy facilities, commercial shipping routes and personnel operating in the region.
