Romania scrambles four fighter jets because of Russian attack on Odesa Oblast

Romania's Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday 4 November that it had scrambled four aircraft in response to Russian attacks north of the Danube.

As reported by Digi24, the aircraft commanders were authorised to engage aerial assets if they entered national airspace, but no unauthorised incursions were detected.

The ministry reported that, on the night of 3-4 November, the armed forces of the Russian Federation had carried out two attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure located on the Danube and that as a result, multiple explosions had been observed on the Ukrainian bank.

According to radar signals detected by surveillance systems, two F-16 fighter jets stationed at the Fetești Air Base were scrambled at 00:17, followed by two German Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base at 02:45, to conduct monitoring and ensure the security of Romanian airspace.

The ministry stated that the mission command had authorisation to engage aerial assets if they entered national airspace and threatened the safety of Romanian citizens, adding that no unauthorised incursions into Romania's airspace had been detected and no aircraft debris had been found on Romanian territory.

Romania's Ministry of Defence strongly condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, calling them a serious violation of international law and a threat to regional security. The ministry added that Romania remains in close contact with its NATO and EU allies and continues to maintain a high level of vigilance and readiness.

Romania previously scrambled fighter jets to patrol its airspace on the night of 21-22 October, when Russia launched a large-scale strike against Ukrainian regions.

In September, Romania's Supreme National Defence Council finalised the legal framework allowing the downing of drones and military aircraft violating the country's airspace.

On 15 October, Romanian Defence Minister Ionuț Moșteanu confirmed that the country was prepared to shoot down drones entering its airspace.