Two drones shot down over Romania in 24 hours: EU says 'security of Romania is Europe's'
Two drone incursions into Romanian airspace in a single day were both neutralized by the same F-16 pilot. EU leaders responded by declaring Romania's security inseparable from the continent's, with Council President Antonio Costa vowing stronger eastern border defences.
Drone incursions
Two hostile drones violated Romanian airspace within 24 hours, both intercepted by the Romanian Air Force. The first intrusion occurred on 24 July and the second at 08:22 on 25 July, according to the Defence Ministry. The same F-16 pilot, aided by the same colleague, shot down both drones above an uninhabited area near the Ukrainian border. No casualties or ground damage were reported.
- First drone incursion: Romanian F-16 downs drone near Ukraine border; Ursula von der Leyen hails prompt reaction.
- Second drone incursion: same pilot downs second drone above uninhabited area near the border.
- Antonio Costa declares 'Romania's security is Europe's security' and vows stronger eastern border deterrence; Foreign Minister Țoiu thanks EU.
EU solidarity
European Council President Antonio Costa posted a message on X expressing full solidarity and praising the rapid response of the Romanian authorities.
For the second time in 24 hours, Romanian airspace has been violated by drone incursions. I congratulate the Romanian authorities for their rapid and effective response. We are fully in solidarity with Romania and its citizens. Romania's security is Europe's security. We will continue to strengthen the EU's security, resilience and deterrence capacity, including along its eastern border.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had already reacted on 24 July after the first drone was downed, calling the response prompt and efficient and underlining that strengthening defence along the eastern border remained a top priority.
Romanian response
Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu welcomed Costa's message on Facebook, calling it powerful and clear. She noted that this was the third time a Romanian pilot had shot down drones illegally entering EU airspace and stressed that Romania both relies on and responsibly contributes to European solidarity.
'Romania's security is Europe's security' is the powerful and clear message now sent by Antonio Costa, President of the European Council. It is the third time a Romanian pilot shoots down drones that have illegally entered European Union airspace. We rely on European solidarity and contribute to it responsibly. Thank you!
Eastern border focus
The drone incidents reinforce the EU's declared priority of boosting deterrence along its eastern frontier. Costa's statement explicitly committed to strengthening security, resilience and deterrence capacity there. Von der Leyen's earlier message echoed the same line, insisting that defence consolidation on the eastern border remains a major priority.
