Romanian Defense Minister Calls for NATO Response to Russian Airspace Breaches

Romania has called on NATO to implement a “robust and coordinated” response to the repeated incursions of Russian drones and missiles into its airspace. The request was made by Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tilvar during a meeting with NATO defense ministers in Bucharest.

According to Reuters, Tilvar emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the repeated breaches of NATO airspace by Russian drones and missiles are a significant concern for the alliance. He noted that these incidents have occurred in Poland, Romania, Latvia, and other areas along NATO’s eastern flank, heightening regional tensions.

The meeting of defense ministers from the “Bucharest Nine” (B9) — a group of NATO member states in Eastern Europe — highlighted the need for immediate action. According to Tilvar, a coordinated allied response is essential, along with the swift implementation of rotational air defense and integrated missile defense systems.

Polish Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Zalewski added that the upcoming NATO defense ministers' meeting in October will need to address the issue of countering drones that breach allied airspace. He also noted confirmed hybrid attacks on allies and the involvement of Belarus in these activities.

Romania, which shares a 650-kilometer border with Ukraine, has experienced repeated incidents of Russian drone fragments entering its territory over the past year. The proximity of Romanian territory to Ukrainian ports on the Danube River, frequently targeted by Russia, has exacerbated the situation.