NATO F-16s scrambled as Russian drone penetrates Romanian airspace  

Two NATO F-16 fighter jets were scrambled after a Russian drone penetrated Romanian airspace leading to fierce condemnation by allies.  

According to Romania’s Minster of Foreign Affairs, Tiou Oana, the Russian drone “violated” the country’s airspace for around 50 minutes on September 13, 2025.  

The two F-16s from the 86th Air Base tracked the Russian aircraft and were later joined by two German Eurofighters to help monitor the situation.  

“People in Romania were never in danger but such actions by Russia are unacceptable and reckless. Romania condemns Russia’s behavior and takes the necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security,” said Minister Oana. 

The Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Russian drone “penetrated about 10 kilometers into Romanian territory”.  

Today, the Romanian Air Force intercepted a Russian drone violating our national airspace.Two F-16s from the 86th Air Base scrambled and tracked it until it disappeared near Chilia Veche. The population was never in danger.Romania condemns Russia’s reckless behavior, which…— Ionut Mosteanu (@IonutMosteanu) September 13, 2025 “In fact, Russian drones have been in different regions of Ukraine all day, including the northern regions, practically along the border with Belarus. According to preliminary information, Belarusian airspace was also used for entry into Ukraine’s airspace toward Volyn,” said the Ukrainian leader.  

According to President Zelensky, the Russian military “knows exactly where their drones are headed and how long they can operate”. 

“The Russian military knows exactly where their drones are headed and how long they can operate in the air. Their routes are always calculated. This cannot be a coincidence, a mistake, or the initiative of some lower-level commanders. It is an obvious expansion of the war by Russia – and this is exactly how they act. Small steps at first, and eventually big losses,” he added. 

Separately, Poland also deployed fighter jets on September 13, 2025, due to drone activity over Ukraine. As a precaution Lublin Airport (LUZ) was also temporarily closed.  

The latest incident came just days after several Russian drones illegally entered Polish airspace on the night of September 9 to 10, 2025.   

On September 12, 2025, in response to increasing Russian aggression NATO launched the Eastern Sentry to reinforce defense on Europe’s eastern flank.  

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