BREAKING: Romanian F-16 Pilot Shoots Down Drone Over Southern Buzău County

A Romanian F-16 pilot shot down a drone after it entered Romanian airspace on Friday, July 24, 2026.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 over the southern part of Buzău County. The drone was intercepted by a Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter jet and destroyed with an air-to-air missile fired from the aircraft.

Drone Entered Romanian Airspace

The military intervention was launched after the drone crossed into Romanian territory. A Romanian pilot operating the F-16 was tasked with intercepting the aircraft before it could continue its flight over the country.

After reaching the target area, the pilot fired a missile from the F-16 and successfully brought down the drone above southern Buzău County.

The incident represents a direct military response to an unauthorised aircraft entering Romania’s sovereign airspace.

Drone Destroyed at Approximately 11:00

The interception and destruction of the drone took place at around 11:00. The exact location where the wreckage fell has not yet been disclosed, but sources say it’s Buzău South, between Padina and Pogoanele.

Further information regarding the origin, model and intended destination of the drone was not immediately available.

Authorities are expected to investigate the remains of the aircraft and establish the circumstances in which it entered Romanian airspace.

Romanian F-16 Conducted the Interception

The operation was carried out by a Romanian pilot flying an F-16 fighter jet. The drone was destroyed in flight using a missile launched directly from the aircraft.

Previously, Italian F16 pilots tried to shoot it down, unsuccessfully, sources say.

The incident occurred over the southern area of Buzău County, well inside Romanian territory, making it one of the most serious airspace security incidents reported in the country.

Additional official details are expected regarding the interception operation, the drone’s flight path, and the area affected by falling debris.