As Russia’s war in Ukraine drags on, drone incursions into Romania’s airspace have increased significantly. Explosions across the Danube serve as a reminder of how close the conflict is to NATO territory, raising concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin testing the alliance’s resolve. On 1st September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported damage to a Ukrainian border crossing with Romania, leading to a temporary suspension of activity at the Isaccea-Orlivka crossing.
In Isaccea, a small Romanian town along the Danube, 48-year-old Robert Marian lives with constant fear due to nearby drone strikes. “There are alerts warning us that something is coming,” he told The Associated Press. Nearby resident Alina Mihail echoed his concerns, stating, “I feel sick when I hear the drone alerts and explosions. I can’t sleep anymore. I live in terror with my husband.”
Romania’s airspace breaches tripled
Data from Romania’s Ministry of National Defence reveals a threefold increase in drone incursions this year, with 27 incidents compared to 9 in 2022. The discovery of drones and debris on Romanian territory has also more than doubled, reaching 37 this year versus 16 last year.
There have been 73 attacks near the border on Ukrainian territory, leading to approximately 56 military aircraft being scrambled to respond. Last year, there were 28 such attacks and 21 aircraft deployed. In the first year of the war, only one attack occurred.
In May, a drone crashed into an apartment building in Galați, injuring a mother and child. Recently, a drone that entered from Moldova was tracked before crashing back in Moldova. Moscow has denied sending combat drones into Romania.
EU officials warn of growing Russian provocations
The rise of drones entering Romania’s airspace, largely blamed on Russia, has led the NATO member to shoot down four drones this year, the first such actions since the war began nearby. NATO countries across Europe have accused Moscow of hybrid warfare tactics, including drone incursions and sabotage.
On 2 September, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted that “Russia has grown increasingly reckless,“ highlighting the increased risk from drones and missiles crossing into their airspace. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also mentioned receiving information from CIA Director Jim Ratcliffe, warning that Europe should brace for heightened Russian provocations along the EU’s eastern flank.
Minister Miruta says eastern flank ‘highly fluid’
Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruta told The Associated Press that NATO views Russia as a “primary and significant threat“ to Romania and the eastern flank. He emphasised ongoing discussions about the necessary capabilities to counter this threat, highlighting coordination with Poland and the Baltic states.
After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, NATO increased its presence in Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. Although the US reduced troop deployments to Eastern Europe last year, officials said it did not signal a reduced commitment to NATO. Miruta mentioned that there are now over 1,000 US troops in Romania, which is an increase from last year’s rotations, stating, “We have a solid relationship. The security dynamics along the eastern flank are highly fluid.”
Near border leaves little reaction time
Miruta noted that discussions about NATO’s Article 5—where an attack on any member prompts a collective response—can lead in various directions. Still, Romania does not indicate an imminent ground invasion. “From this perspective, we can rest easy,“ he said.
He emphasised that Romania faces a unique threat due to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s Danube River ports, which are just tens of metres from the border. This proximity leaves little reaction time compared to the tens-of-kilometres distance in the Nordic countries.
The sounds of live fire across the border have made Romanian residents uneasy. “We see drones heading towards those ports,“ Miruta said. “While most stop to attack port infrastructure, we can’t rule out the possibility of one crossing over. If that happens, our communities would be at risk.”
Romania ramps up defence spending
Romania and Poland have acquired the MEROPS system to counter incoming rogue drones amid escalating security threats. Recently, Romania received its first €2.5 billion from the EU’s Security Action for Europe programme, part of a total of €16.6 billion. The defence ministry also signed a $2 billion contract with an Israeli firm for air defence systems against drones and cruise missiles.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan announced that defence spending will reach 3.7% of GDP this year. He highlighted Romania’s participation in NATO’s Drone Edge project, which plans to invest over $40 billion in counter-drone capabilities over five years.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
