RAF fighter jets were scrambled overnight as part of NATO’s air policing mission after Russian drone attacks near Ukraine’s border triggered security alerts in Romania.
Two British Eurofighter Typhoons were launched from Borcea Air Base in Romania in the early hours of Saturday after Russian drones were detected operating close to NATO airspace.
Romanian defense officials said drone fragments were later recovered in the southeastern city of Galați, where an electricity pole and a household annex were damaged.
The RAF deployment formed part of a wider NATO response, with Poland and Romania placing air defenses on heightened alert as Russian military activity pushed close to the alliance’s borders.
Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces also confirmed that Polish and allied aircraft were launched after Russia carried out an airborne assault on Ukrainian territory.
“Operations of Polish and allied aviation have commenced in our airspace,” the Operational Command said, adding that the response included on-duty fighter jets and an early warning aircraft.
Why It Matters
The incidents come as Russia intensifies military operations in Ukraine, again pushing fighting close to NATO territory and testing the alliance’s air defenses.
Russian attacks near NATO borders have repeatedly forced allied militaries into rapid response mode, raising the stakes for any miscalculation. With airspace security central to NATO’s collective defense, even near-border incidents carry regional consequences.
What To Know
Romania’s Ministry of National Defense said that Russian forces had resumed drone attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets in Ukraine near the Romanian border along the Danube River.
Romanian authorities alerted civilians in nearby border communities (including in Grindu and Isaccea), warning of potential danger from aerial activity.
Military officials said that Eurofighter aircraft established radar contact with an aerial target approximately one mile from the Ukrainian city of Reni.
Pilots were authorized to engage drones if necessary, while ground-based radar systems tracked multiple targets over Ukrainian territory, where explosions were later reported.
Shortly after 2:30 a.m., residents of Galați reported that an object had fallen in the city’s Traian Barrier area. Emergency response teams were dispatched to investigate, and authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported. The affected area was secured by Romanian police and military personnel.
Romania’s defense ministry strongly condemned Russia’s actions, calling them irresponsible and a direct challenge to security and stability in the Black Sea region.
Officials said the incidents highlight Moscow’s disregard for international law and the risks posed not only to Ukraine, but also to NATO member states.
Poland’s Operational Command said that ground-based air defense systems and radar reconnaissance units were also placed on heightened alert.
According to the statement, the measures were preventive and designed to secure Polish airspace, particularly in regions close to areas considered at risk.
What Happens Next
Romania reaffirmed its commitment to NATO obligations and said it would continue working closely with allies to monitor and defend national airspace as the situation develops.
Polish military officials stressed that forces remain ready to respond immediately if the situation escalates.
Update: 04/25/26, 04:03 a.m. ET. This article has been updated with more information.
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