Romania destroys marine drone near Neptun Deep

Romania used two F-16 fighters to destroy a marine drone near the Neptun Deep offshore gas project in the Black Sea, underscoring ongoing threats to critical energy infrastructure amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The drone, spotted within Romania’s exclusive economic zone and loaded with explosives, was confirmed not to be of Ukrainian origin after Kyiv's verification. This incident follows earlier actions this month, including the destruction of two Gerbera-type drones near Neptun Deep, as part of a broader pattern of attacks and mine threats in the Black Sea. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the strike as part of an escalating campaign of threats and hybrid warfare, while Romania emphasized vigilance alongside NATO allies to defend critical infrastructure. Neptun Deep is slated to become the EU’s largest offshore gas development when it comes online in 2027, making security of the project a high-priority national and regional concern. Romanian authorities have coordinated with allies to neutralize threats such as drifting mines and drones across Black Sea trade routes while protecting the platform and its workforce.