Defence minister Ionut Mosteanu stated that the pilots had authorisation to shoot down the drone, but they assessed the collateral risks and decided not to open fire, according to a message the minister wrote on Facebook.

„Today [Sunday – ‘s note] I analyzed the complete report of last night’s mission and discussed it with the colleagues involved, even with the pilot who led the F-16 formation. They had authorisation to shoot down the drone, but in the moments when they had direct contact they assessed the collateral risks and decided not to open fire. It is a decision of professionalism and responsibility,” the minister wrote on Facebook.

He mentioned that on July 4 he signed a ministerial order establishing that the approval to shoot down the drones is given by the military commander of the operation.

„I want to clarify the legal framework once again, because there is a lot of fake news: on July 4, 10 days after I became minister, I signed the ministerial order by which I established that the approval of shooting down drones is given by the military commander of the operation,” Mosteanu also specified.

The minister added that the Romanian Army will continue its training and endowment plans.

„Romania firmly condemns these challenges coming from Russia and remains in permanent coordination with NATO allies. The Romanian Army will continue its training and endowment plans, and the Eastern Sentry initiative announced on Friday by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will lead to an increase in defence and deterrence capabilities on the eastern flank,” Mosteanu specified.

A Geran drone used by the Russian Federation in attacks on Ukraine entered Romanian airspace on Saturday, at 6:05 pm, and was intercepted by two F-16 fighter jets, which were carrying out an air patrol mission in northern Dobrogea, the Ministry of Defence informed.

„The F-16 aircraft had intermittent contact with the target, visually and by radar (…). The pilots received authorisation to shoot down the target, but when they had direct contact, they assessed the collateral risks and decided not to open fire,” the MApN press release states.

According to the same source, the Romanian aircraft were supported by German allies deployed at the Mihail Kogalniceanu base with two Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, which monitored the area until 9:30 pm.

„The Ministry of National Defense firmly condemns the irresponsible actions of the Russian Federation and emphasises that they represent a new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area,” the press release says. AGERPRES