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Romania Uses F-16s to Shoot Down Russian Drones Over Black Sea
Confirmed
In Short: The Geran family of drones, which Russia uses in its war against Ukraine, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with efforts to increase their speed to 700-800 km/h by housing their engines inside the fuselage.
Romanian F-16 fighter jets shot down two Russian Geran-family drones over the Black Sea on September 10, according to the Romanian Defense Ministry.
The first drone entered Romanian airspace at 17:59 GMT and was shot down within two minutes, while the second was engaged and neutralized at 6:05 p.m., five minutes after crossing into Romanian territory.
Romania has been actively countering these incursions since earlier this year, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding its airspace and territorial integrity.
Ukraine, which has also been using F-16s to combat Russian drones, has expressed a need for more of these aircraft to bolster its defense capabilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in 2024 that Ukraine requires 120 to 130 F-16s to effectively counter Russian aircraft.
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu expressed optimism about the situation, tweeting, "The Black Sea will be safe again."
Defense Minister Radu Miruta confirmed on Facebook that the drones were shot down moments after illegally entering Romanian airspace.
The Geran family of drones, which Russia uses in its war against Ukraine, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with efforts to increase their speed to 700-800 km/h by housing their engines inside the fuselage.
Estonia’s new defense minister has suggested that his country should consider acquiring light jet aircraft to intercept Russia’s faster, jet-powered attack drones.
Ukraine may soon receive a multimillion package of 20-mm rounds for its F-16 fighter jets, according to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
The incidents in Denmark and Lithuania, where NATO jets intercepted Russian drones, underscore the broader pattern of Russian aggression and provocation against Europe.
What this adds
The use of F-16s by Romania and Ukraine highlights the evolving nature of aerial warfare and the need for advanced air defense systems.
While F-16s have proven effective in countering Russian drones, there are concerns about their long-term sufficiency for Ukraine's defense needs.
What's confirmed
- Romanian F-16 fighter jets have shot down two drones over the country's territorial waters, according to the Romanian Defense Ministry.
- The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said the incidents in Denmark and Lithuania were not isolated but “part of a broader pattern of Russian aggression and provocation against Europe testing our readiness and our resolve”.
What's still developing
- And the pilot is shooting them down with the F-16’s 20mm cannon.
- The European aircraft originally provided to Ukraine are principally F-16AM/BM Mid-Life Update aircraft.
- This is important because the future of Ukraine’s ability to defend itself does not depend on getting a few more F-16 s, but rather on its ability to build an air force capable of the challenge.
- Ukraine’s success with the F-16 does not mean these aircraft are sufficient for its long-term needs.
- On the night of Sept. 9-10, Russia launched 149 Shahed-type cruise missiles, along with decoys and other unmanned aircraft, against Ukraine.
- When Russia launched five ballistic missiles yesterday, there was no warning from Ukraine’s partners, according to a post by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy " Unfortunately, there was no warning from our partners about this strike," Zelenskyy said.
- The Italian Air Force F-2000s, deployed as part of the “Baltic Thunder III” Air Task Force, were scrambled late yesterday, intercepted the unmanned aircraft and neutralized it in accordance with NATO procedures, Italy’s Defense Ministry said.
- Denmark’s armed forces said in a statement that one of its air force’s Fennec helicopters “was fired at with flares during a routine photographic operation of a Russian frigate” which was in international waters off southern Denmark.