Romanian navy divers safely detonated two Gerbera unmanned aerial vehicles found floating in Romania’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, according to Defense Minister Radu Mirutsa. The Russian-type drones, which Ukraine confirmed do not belong to its armed forces, drifted near the Neptun Deep natural gas project—one of the European Union’s most significant gas deposits—prompting a security response from the coast guard and local authorities.
Black Sea Drone Incident Near Neptun Deep Infrastructure
The two unmanned aerial vehicles were spotted resting on the water’s surface by the crew of a vessel working near the Neptun Deep natural gas platform, as reported by Defense Minister Radu Mirutsa on Facebook. Following the civilian sighting, a coast guard vessel carrying military personnel was dispatched to investigate the floating hardware. Because of maritime safety concerns and ongoing operations near the critical energy infrastructure, authorities ordered a controlled destruction via detonation.
Minister Mirutsa subsequently published video footage capturing one of the controlled explosions executed by the Romanian military divers. While officials identified the recovered hardware as Russian-type Gerbera drones commonly deployed during aerial strikes in Ukraine, neither the Romanian Ministry of Defense nor international monitors have clarified why the two units remained intact and adrift on the sea surface. According to the Russian-language service of the BBC, no further details regarding the operational status or flight path of the drones prior to the recovery have been provided.
Regional Security and Maritime Risks in Romanian Waters
Romania shares a 614-kilometer border with Ukraine, which has been defending itself against the Russian invasion for its fifth year. The ongoing conflict has repeatedly impacted Romanian airspace and territorial waters through errant aerial attacks and drifting naval hazards. According to Reuters reporting, Russian aerial assets have previously crossed into Romanian airspace during strikes aimed at neighboring Ukrainian infrastructure.
Beyond airborne threats, the Black Sea region faces persistent maritime hazards, including naval mines swept along key commercial and energy corridors by local currents. Data compiled by Novinky.cz notes that Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey have jointly neutralized more than 150 drifting mines since the outbreak of hostilities in February 2022. Both belligerent nations have intensified long-range air and sea campaigns, with Russian forces regularly targeting Ukrainian ports along the Black Sea coastline.
Did you know?
The Neptun Deep project represents one of the largest natural gas developments in the European Union, making the security of its surrounding waters a top priority for regional energy independence and maritime trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of drones were found in the Romanian exclusive economic zone?
Romanian authorities identified the recovered aircraft as Russian-type Gerbera unmanned aerial vehicles, according to statements from Defense Minister Radu Mirutsa.
Who discovered the floating drones in the Black Sea?
The crew of a civilian vessel participating in work near the Neptun Deep natural gas platform first spotted the units on the water’s surface, prompting a response from the Romanian coast guard and navy divers.
Did Ukraine claim ownership of the recovered Gerbera drones?
No. Ukrainian officials formally confirmed to the Romanian government that the two unmanned aerial vehicles did not belong to Ukraine, as reported by Minister Radu Mirutsa.
How were the drones neutralized?
Navy divers carried out a controlled detonation of both units to ensure the safety of maritime traffic and ongoing industrial work near the offshore gas platform.
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