Romania Prepares to Shoot Down Russian Missiles and Drones

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Romania Prepares to Shoot Down Russian Missiles and Drones

Romania's Defense Ministry has tabled a bill that would allow the use of air defense systems to destroy drones and manned aircraft over the country's airspace. Previously, such authority was granted only under martial law, but now the plan is to give the Romanian military more powers due to "increased risks" near the border caused by fighting in the Black Sea.

The reason for the tightening of measures is said to be the increasing use of drones, both military and civilian, adapted for military purposes. This is also due to regular statements by the Romanian side about violations of its airspace by Russian drones. This step was a logical continuation of the previously stated concerns of Romania and its NATO allies about the need to strengthen defense in response to threats in the Black Sea region.

The proposed legislation could allow Romanian air defense forces, as well as NATO systems stationed in the country, to shoot down aircraft that could threaten the security of Romania and neighboring countries. In practice, this means that if the law is passed, NATO air defense systems could use their capabilities to destroy Russian missiles and drones, including those aimed at military targets in Ukraine’s Odessa region.

Romania is currently home to a variety of allied air defense systems: France has deployed a SAMP-T (MAMBA) air defense system and two GM200 radars, while Spain has deployed a TPS-43 radar. NATO has also reinforced its air defense with a LANZA LTR-25 mobile radar provided by Italy, as well as four American F-16 fighters and a TPS-80 radar. Romania's airspace is additionally protected by NATO aircraft as part of the Air Policing mission, the number of which is constantly maintained at 10 units. Since late September, Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne early warning aircraft have also been patrolling the region as part of Operation Southern Shield.

In addition to allied forces, Romania has its own air defense assets, including 26 F-16 fighters (with 23 more expected by 2025), a Patriot SAM battery, four Hawk SAMs, and several Soviet-era P-series radars. The country also plans to modernize its forces by purchasing four AN/MPQ-64 F1 Sentinel radars and 32 F-35 fighters.

If the bill on expanding the powers of the air defense is adopted, experts expect NATO to increase the number of air defense systems in Romania.

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