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Romania says F-16 pilot shot down drone in its airspace

Romania shot down a drone in its airspace on Friday, President Nicusor Dan said. Dan said it was the first such incident since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference, he said a Romanian pilot flying an F-16 shot down the drone around 11:00 local time, or 0800 GMT. Dan said the area was uninhabited and that an investigation was under way.

Update

President Nicusor Dan said the drone was shot down around 11:00 local time, or 0800 GMT.

Dan said a Romanian pilot flying an F-16 shot down the drone.

Dan said the area was uninhabited.

Dan said an investigation was under way.

Source note: AFP news report published on 24 July 2026 at 08:47:12 UTC.

Uncertainty notes

The source does not identify the origin of the drone.
The source does not report any damage or injuries.
The investigation was still under way at the time of the president's statement.

Source

AFP news report published on .

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