Romanian F-16s destroy suspected Russian naval drone near Black Sea gas platform

Two Romanian air force F-16 fighter jets intercepted and destroyed a suspected Russian naval drone in the Black Sea early on 20 August, according to officials. The unmanned underwater vehicle had been detected by a coast guard ship as it approached the Neptune Deep offshore natural gas platform, located roughly 80 nautical miles east of Constanta.

After the sighting, the two F-16s were scrambled to respond. Video circulating on social media, reportedly filmed by a crew member aboard the coast guard vessel, shows one jet making a low pass over the ship before firing its Vulcan cannon at the target. A small explosion is visible on the water's surface, appearing before the sound of gunfire reaches the camera, suggesting the footage was captured from some distance away.

Romania's defence minister said the drone had not originated from Ukraine but was carrying explosives. President Nicusor Dan attributed the incident to Russia, saying it endangered lives and critical energy infrastructure. He said Romania would remain vigilant alongside NATO allies against such incidents.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the episode, describing it as an act of hybrid warfare and saying an escalating campaign of threats was underway against the European Union.

The engagement reportedly took place hours after two Spanish air force F/A-18 jets, assigned to a NATO air policing mission, were involved in a separate response in the region, though further details of that incident were not specified.