Romania Destroys Explosive Marine Drone Near Neptun Deep Gas Project

Romania scrambled F-16 fighter jets Thursday after an explosive marine drone was detected a few hundred meters from Neptun Deep, the country’s major Black Sea gas development.

Defense Minister Radu Miruta said the aircraft struck the drone before a ship arriving at the site completed its destruction. Several hundred people were working on the offshore platform at the time.

“In order to protect the lives of the several hundred people working on the platform and to secure critical infrastructure, the decision was made to destroy (the marine drone),” Miruta said.

Explosives Confirmed

Miruta later said the destroyed drone was carrying explosives.

He did not identify its origin. Ukraine had confirmed that the device did not belong to its forces, according to the minister.

Romanian President Nicusor Dan attributed the incident to Russia.

“I strongly condemn the intensification of these types of irresponsible incidents on the part of the Russian Federation,” Dan said. “We remain vigilant alongside NATO allies to defend ourselves and repel such challenges.”

The Russian government had no immediate public comment.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the incident as part of “an escalating campaign of threats”.

Neptun Deep Under Pressure

The episode has renewed attention on the security of Neptun Deep, jointly owned by OMV Petrom and state gas producer Romgaz.

The project is expected to begin production in 2027 and make Romania the European Union’s largest gas producer.

Earlier this month, Romanian army divers destroyed two Gerbera-type drones drifting inside the country’s exclusive economic zone near the same offshore development.

Romania has also recorded Russian drones entering its airspace during the past four years, while mines have drifted through Black Sea trade and energy routes.

The NATO member shares a 614-kilometer land border with Ukraine.

Black Sea Security Expands

Romania, Bulgaria and Türkiye have neutralized more than 150 mines drifting across Black Sea trade lanes.

The three NATO states agreed in July to widen the role of their joint mine-clearing task force to include missions protecting critical infrastructure.

The latest drone incident highlights the security demands surrounding offshore energy assets as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues to generate risks across the Black Sea.