The Ministry of Defense of Romania has proposed new legislation allowing Romanian forces to engage and, if necessary, destroy unauthorized drones entering the country’s airspace. This decision highlights Romania’s escalating security concerns amidst recent regional tensions, particularly Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
According to the draft bill, the Romanian government seeks to address the growing threats from drones and other military aircraft. The law underscores the need for rapid response, noting that emerging security threats demand actions within “only a few minutes”.
In an extract from the proposed legislation, the Ministry emphasized the “volatile and unpredictable” nature surrounding Romanian airspace’s security environment. The document states that safeguarding national sovereignty is integral to NATO’s broader security interests.
The proposed law includes a range of defensive measures that can be enacted against unauthorized manned aircraft in Romanian airspace. These include:
- Establishing the aircraft’s position, radio link, and identity
- Sending instructions for authorized use of Romanian airspace
- Intercepting non-compliant aircraft
- Executing warning shots and, if necessary, the destruction by interceptor aircraft or ground-based air defenses
The draft law states that manned aircraft entering Romanian airspace without permission can only be destroyed if they launch an attack or respond aggressively during interception. Depending on the level of threat, unauthorized drones may be destroyed, neutralized, or commandeered.
The legislation also specifies that interceptor pilots are authorized to make autonomous decisions to neutralize the aircraft if there is an attack or a potential threat from a foreign aircraft. This is permitted in cases where communication with the control and command unit is lost or if the threat continues.
Security concerns prompt legislative action
Romania’s defense posture has been visibly influenced by recent drone incursions linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In early September 2023, Iranian-made Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, deployed by Russia, targeted Ukrainian grain facilities on the Danube River, a stone’s throw from the Romanian border. This incident drew significant attention when Romanian authorities discovered remnants of a Russian drone in Plauru, a village near the border.
In a press conference following this incident, Romania’s Minister of National Defense, Angel Tîlvăr, highlighted the gravity of the situation. He stressed that the discovery of the drone debris underscored the security risks Romania faces due to its proximity to the conflict in Ukraine.
Since March 2022, a French-led multinational battalion has been deployed in Romania, under NATO command. This battalion constitutes one of NATO’s eight Forward Presence Battle Groups. In addition, the French Air Force deployed the SAMP/T [also called MAMBA – ed. note] ground-to-air defense system in Romania to “provide a protective bubble for the benefit of the [NATO] forces operating in the coverage area.”