NATO Air Patrols in Eastern Europe Escalate as Drones Target Multiple Nations

A Spanish F-18 fighter jet shot down an unauthorized drone in Romanian airspace on August 16, the country’s defense ministry reported. This incident marks the fourth time this year that Romania has destroyed a UAV within its territory.

The Romanian military stated the drone was operating from Moldova and violated national airspace during a NATO patrol mission.

Separately, Bulgaria reported on August 13 that a reconnaissance drone was discovered stranded on the beach near Primorsko before being transported to naval bases in Varna and Burgas.