Turkey scrambles F-16s to shoot down UAV approaching Black Sea airspace

Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense said it shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) after it was detected approaching Turkish airspace over the Black Sea, scrambling F-16 fighter jets on an alert mission to ensure airspace safety.

In a statement released on December 15, 2025, the ministry said the air track was detected and placed under surveillance as part of routine monitoring procedures. As a precaution, F-16 aircraft operating under both NATO and national air defense control were assigned an alarm reaction mission.

According to the ministry, the air track was later identified as a UAV that appeared to be out of control. To prevent any risk to the population, the aircraft was struck and downed in what authorities described as a safe area away from residential zones. No injuries or ground damage were reported.

No details on origin or type

Turkish authorities did not disclose the UAV’s type, origin, or operator, nor did they specify whether the drone entered Turkish airspace before being engaged. The statement also did not provide further details on the exact location of the shootdown beyond the reference to the Black Sea.

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While Turkish authorities did not comment on the UAV’s origin, the incident comes amid persistent drone and missile activity linked to the ongoing air war in Ukraine. Several neighboring states have previously reported stray UAVs and air objects crossing or approaching their airspace, raising concerns about spillover risks from the conflict.

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