NATO Scrambles Fighter Jets As Russian Drones Breach Airspace
NATO scrambled fighter jets after Russian drones approached alliance airspace during overnight attacks near Ukraine, with one drone briefly entering Romanian territory. Romanian forces issued emergency alerts and coordinated with NATO allies amid heightened air-defense readiness. The incident highlights the ongoing risk of escalation along NATO's eastern flank due to spillover from Russia's war in Ukraine.
- ▪Russian forces launched drone attacks on Ukrainian targets near the Danube River border with Romania.
- ▪One Russian drone briefly entered Romanian national airspace in the Chilia area before continuing toward Ismail, Ukraine.
- ▪Romanian F-16 fighter jets were scrambled from the 86th Air Base in Fetești, and an RO-Alert warning was issued to residents in northern Tulcea County.
- ▪NATO allies were informed in real time, and the air alert was lifted at 02:50 local time.
- ▪Similar incidents occurred the previous week when Polish and allied jets were launched in response to Russian activity near Poland and Romania.
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By Sam StevensonAssociate News EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.NATO air forces were scrambled after Russian drones approached alliance airspace during overnight attacks near Ukraine, with one drone briefly entering airspace and triggering security alerts.Two Romanian F‑16 fighter jets took off around 02:00 local time on the morning of Saturday, May 2, from the 86th Air Base in Fetești after Russian drones approached NATO airspace, prompting authorities to issue emergency RO‑Alert warnings in northern Tulcea County, according to Romania's Ministry of National Defense.The incident underscores how Russia’s war in Ukraine continues to spill toward NATO…
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