Romania Boosts Air Defenses Near Ukraine After Surge in Russian Drone Incursions

Romania has increased troop deployments and air-defense assets along its border with Ukraine amid repeated incursions by Russian drones, with Romanian Defense Minister Radu-Dinel Miruță acknowledging a limited but real risk that unmanned aircraft could reach populated areas, in an interview with Digi24 on January 19.

Romania has recorded about 70 attacks in the Danube region and at least 14 cases of Russian drones entering its airspace since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to Digi24.

In response, the Ministry of National Defense has moved additional personnel and modern equipment closer to the border, particularly in the Dobrogea region.

Miruță said the army is “gradually increasing” its air-defense posture, including the deployment of dozens of troops, radars, and Gepard anti-aircraft systems capable of engaging hostile drones. He stressed that while the measures significantly reduce danger, they cannot eliminate it entirely, Digi24 wrote.

“We are increasing the air defense in the area—both personnel and technology,” Miruță said. “With all the efforts, there is a risk of seeing drones in inhabited areas, but the risk is small. We work with probabilities and with the capabilities available.”

Read more

Category

World

Russia’s Record Surge in Airspace Violations in 2024–2025 and NATO’s Response

Oct 01, 2025 13:35

The minister acknowledged that some drones evade detection, particularly low-altitude models made of materials such as foam or cardboard that absorb radar signals, as well as in areas with complex terrain.

A recent incident underscored the challenge, when debris from a Russian drone was found in a yard in Vrancea County, nearly 200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, after the aircraft went undetected by radar, according to Digi24.

Alongside Romanian systems, US forces have deployed the AI-assisted MEROPS air-defense system in Romania, which can detect and intercept even low-flying drones without metal components, helping to close gaps in coverage identified by the defense ministry.

Previously, it was reported that Germany was accelerating anti-drone defenses at its airports as repeated drone incursions—widely suspected by officials to be linked to Russia—disrupt air travel and raise security concerns across the country.

Help Ukrainian Units Hold the Drone Line

Download APP