BUCHAREST, Romania — Romanian authorities scrambled F-16 fighter jets after a maritime drone carrying explosives was detected dangerously close to the Neptun Deep offshore gas project in the Black Sea, prompting a rapid military and Coast Guard response.
The incident occurred on August 20 after a commercial vessel reported the suspicious unmanned craft at approximately 6:28 a.m. local time. Authorities said the drone was drifting several hundred meters from the Neptun Alpha production platform, located roughly 80 nautical miles, or about 148 kilometers, east of Constanța within Romania’s exclusive economic zone.
The discovery immediately raised concerns because of the proximity of the vessel to critical energy infrastructure and the workers operating at the offshore facility.
The Romanian Coast Guard notified the Ministry of National Defence, which established an emergency command cell to assess the potential threat. Interim Defence Minister Radu Miruță said officials determined that immediate action was necessary and, following consultations with President Nicușor Dan, authorized Romanian forces to neutralize the vessel.
F-16s Deployed to Intercept Drone
Two Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter jets were scrambled toward the area. According to authorities, one of the aircraft engaged the maritime drone with its onboard cannon, damaging the vessel and reducing the immediate threat.
However, the damaged craft remained afloat and continued drifting, requiring Romanian authorities to launch a second phase of the operation.
A Romanian Coast Guard vessel carrying an explosive ordnance disposal team from the Romanian Naval Forces was sent to the location. EOD specialists reached the vessel, examined the damaged craft and confirmed that it was carrying an explosive charge.
The team subsequently conducted a controlled detonation, eliminating the remaining threat. Romania’s Defence Ministry released video footage showing portions of the military response and the subsequent disposal operation.
Investigation Into Drone’s Origin
Authorities also began investigating where the unmanned vessel came from. Miruță said Romania contacted Ukraine through a recently established direct communication channel and received confirmation that the vessel was not Ukrainian.
President Dan condemned the incident and attributed responsibility to Russia, warning that such episodes demonstrate the growing security challenges facing Romania and other NATO members bordering the Black Sea.
“I strongly condemn the intensification of these types of irresponsible incidents on the part of the Russian Federation,” Dan said, while praising Romanian military and Coast Guard personnel involved in the operation.
The incident follows other security concerns involving unmanned systems near the Neptun Deep project. Earlier in August, Romanian forces reportedly destroyed two Russian-made Gerbera-type aerial drones discovered in the vicinity of the offshore energy development.
Growing Security Concerns
Neptun Deep represents a strategically important energy project for Romania and Europe. Developed by OMV Petrom and Romgaz, the offshore field is expected to significantly increase Romania’s natural-gas production once full-scale operations begin in 2027.
The latest incident underscores the broader security risks created by Russia’s war against Ukraine, particularly as drones and other unmanned systems increasingly operate near NATO territory and critical infrastructure.
For Romania, the episode serves as a reminder that the Black Sea remains a highly sensitive security environment. Authorities say they will continue monitoring the region closely and coordinating with NATO partners to protect Romanian territory, offshore energy infrastructure and personnel.
The rapid deployment of fighter aircraft, Coast Guard vessels and explosive ordnance specialists demonstrates the level of preparedness required to respond when unidentified objects approach strategically important facilities.
Romanian officials say heightened vigilance will continue as the country works to safeguard its Black Sea coastline and critical energy assets amid persistent regional instability.
