The Romanian Ministry of Defense has proposed a new law that would give the country's armed forces the authority to attack and, if necessary, destroy drones that enter Romanian airspace without authorization.
This decision is a direct response to the increasing security concerns Romania has due to regional tensions, particularly Russian aggression against Ukraine. With the law, the Romanian government aims to address the growing threats posed by drones and other military aircraft and strengthen national sovereignty and security.
The background to the legislative initiative
The decision to adopt this law is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader context reflecting geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. The security situation in the region has changed dramatically in recent years, especially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This means that Romania faces increased threats as military activities and drone operations move ever closer to the Romanian border.
An example of this is the incident in September 2023, when the remains of a Russian Shahed-136 kamikaze drone were found near the Romanian border. This drone had been used in attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and alerted the Romanian authorities. Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr expressed concern after this incident and clarified that Romania is at increased risk of such attacks due to its geographical location.
Contents of the draft law
The proposed law provides a range of measures that can be taken against trespassing aircraft, including identifying the position and radio communication of the aircraft in question, as well as intercepting and, if necessary, destroying non-compliant aircraft. It also specifies that the armed forces will be allowed to make autonomous decisions to neutralize threats, particularly in situations where communication with the control center is lost.
The provision that unauthorized aircraft may only be destroyed if they launch an attack or react aggressively demonstrates Romania's differentiated approach to dealing with airspace violations. This regulation is intended to ensure that force is used only as a last resort and that national and international legal frameworks are maintained.
NATO and international support
Romania is a member of NATO and has taken steps to strengthen its defense capabilities in recent years. A multinational battalion led by France is stationed in the country under NATO command. These forces contribute to the security of the region and underline NATO's determination to respond to potential threats. The deployed SAMP/T (also known as MAMBA) surface-to-air defense system was specifically designed to support air surveillance and defense in Romania.
International cooperation is of great importance at this critical stage. Romania benefits not only from NATO support, but also from bilateral agreements with countries such as the United States, which provide military assistance and technical support.
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