Spanish and Romanian fighter jets scramble following Russian drone attack near border with Ukraine.

On October 2, 2024, Romania announced that several fighter jets were scrambled in response to a new wave of Russian drone attacks targeting Ukraine’s infrastructure near the Romanian border. The drones approached Tulcea County, located along the Danube River, prompting a military response. At 12:50 a.m., two Spanish F-18 jets were deployed from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, followed by two Romanian F-16 jets from Borcea Air Base at 2:40 a.m. The mission, which concluded by 5:00 a.m., focused on monitoring for any breaches of Romanian airspace.
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Two Spanish F-18 jets were deployed from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, followed by two Romanian F-16 jets from Borcea Air Base in response to a new wave of Russian drone attacks targeting Ukraine’s infrastructure near the Romanian border. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

During the operation, Romanian radar systems did not detect any drones entering Romanian airspace, though reports suggest that a Russian drone might have briefly crossed into Romanian territory for less than three minutes. This incident has raised concerns about the proximity of Russian military operations to Romania, a NATO member. Authorities issued RO-Alert warnings to residents of Tulcea and Galați counties, advising them to remain vigilant overnight.

Romania’s Ministry of National Defense condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, citing violations of international law. NATO has increased its airspace monitoring efforts over Romania, deploying additional surveillance aircraft following previous drone-related incidents. Despite these measures, Russian drones have continued to target regions near Romania’s border, heightening concerns about the potential spillover of the conflict into neighboring countries.

Spain’s involvement in the response reflects its role within NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing (EAP) mission. Spain operates five squadrons of F/A-18 Hornets, referred to locally as EF-18A/B, for both air defense and ground attack purposes. The Spanish Air Force’s fleet includes 83 aircraft: 20 F/A-18A Hornets, 51 EF-18A MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) models, and 12 twin-seat EF-18B MLUs. These aircraft have undergone upgrades to extend their service life and enhance operational capabilities.

The Spanish Air Force’s fleet includes 83 aircraft: 20 F/A-18A Hornets, 51 EF-18A MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) models, and 12 twin-seat EF-18B MLUs. (Picture source: NATO Allied Air Command)

As part of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission, Spain has deployed eight F-18s from Ala 12, based in Torrejón de Ardoz, to Romania since 2023 under the "Paznic" detachment. This deployment, which includes approximately 130 personnel, aims to secure NATO’s southeastern flank, particularly near the Black Sea, amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe. The Spanish detachment operates from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, participating in 24/7 air patrols and quick reaction alert (QRA) missions to ensure the safety of NATO airspace against potential incursions.

Spain’s F-18s have been involved in several high-profile interceptions, both domestically and internationally. These jets are part of Spain's integrated air defense system, capable of responding to aerial threats within 15 minutes of receiving an alert, known as an "alpha scramble." The Spanish Air Force has demonstrated its operational readiness through missions such as intercepting unauthorized aircraft in Spanish airspace and supporting NATO air policing efforts in the Black Sea region.

Regarding Romania’s air capabilities, the Romanian Air Force began modernization efforts in 2010 when the Supreme Defense Council approved the acquisition of 24 refurbished F-16C/D Block 25 aircraft from the U.S. Air Force. This plan was part of a larger multi-stage modernization effort that also envisioned the acquisition of 24 new Block 50/52 F-16s and, eventually, 24 fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters. However, due to budget constraints, Romania was unable to complete the purchase from the U.S. and instead turned to Portugal.

The Romanian Air Force began modernization efforts in 2010 when the Supreme Defense Council approved the acquisition of 24 refurbished F-16C/D Block 25 to replace its older Mig-21 LanceR. (Picture source: NATO Allied Air Command)

In 2012, Romania agreed to buy 12 used F-16s from Portugal in a deal worth €670 million to replace its aging MiG-21s. This deal included both aircraft and logistical support, with deliveries beginning in 2016 after pilot training. The first squadron, equipped with 12 F-16 MLUs, became operational at the 86th Airbase in Fetești in 2017. The Romanian government later expanded its fleet by procuring an additional five aircraft from Portugal, which were delivered by 2021.

In November 2022, Romania signed a new deal to purchase 32 F-16s from Norway, valued at €388 million. These Norwegian F-16s are intended to equip two additional squadrons, with the first based at Câmpia Turzii and the second at Mihail Kogălniceanu. This acquisition marked a significant step in Romania’s air force modernization, as it plans to retire its F-16s between 2034 and 2040.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Romania has experienced multiple incidents involving Russian drones near its territory, particularly in regions bordering Ukraine. These incidents have escalated as Russia targets Ukrainian ports along the Danube River. Debris from Russian drones has been found on Romanian soil several times, prompting Romania to voice concerns over violations of its airspace. The Romanian government has confirmed several such breaches, raising alarms over the potential risks posed to Romanian citizens living near the border.

The first Romanian F-16 squadron, equipped with 12 F-16 MLUs, became operational at the 86th Airbase in Fetești in 2017. (Picture source: Anton Balakchiev)

The Romanian Ministry of National Defense has reported multiple discoveries of drone fragments in areas close to the Ukrainian border. These incidents have typically followed Russian attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure, such as Izmail, located just across the Danube River. In response, Romania has strengthened its surveillance and coordination with NATO, given its status as a NATO member. Romanian officials have labeled these breaches as serious violations of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, demanding a strong response.

Romania has also raised its alert levels and called for greater defensive cooperation within NATO to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and prevented in the future. These drone incursions, which have affected other NATO members like Latvia, highlight the ongoing tensions and risks of spillover from the war in Ukraine into neighboring countries. Romania remains vigilant as the war continues, especially given its proximity to critical Ukrainian port cities that are frequently targeted.