Romanian military divers neutralized two Gerbera type drones in the Black Sea on the afternoon of August 11, Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruta announced. Russian forces regularly attack Ukraine using this type of drone.
Miruta said the operation took place in Romania's exclusive economic zone, about 90 nautical miles west of Constanta. He specified that personnel discovered the drones in the Neptun Deep field area, where Romania extracts natural gas.
Crew members on a vessel working near the gas platform first spotted the unmanned aerial vehicles. A Romanian Coast Guard vessel and military personnel deployed to the area, located the drifting drone systems, and neutralized them, according to the official.
The Romanian Defense Ministry contacted Ukrainian partners following the discovery. The ministry stated that Ukrainian officials confirmed the drones did not belong to Ukraine.
NATO airspace incursions and diplomatic fallout
Russian drones attacking Ukraine have systematically entered the airspace of NATO member states in recent months, including Romania, Finland, and the Baltic countries.
Romania responded by announcing the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Constanta and expelling a Russian consul. Russia then announced the closure of the Romanian consulate in Saint Petersburg.
