Romanian army divers neutralized two Russian-designed drones discovered floating near the Neptun Deep offshore gas project in the Black Sea.
Key facts
- •Romanian army divers used explosives to destroy two Russian-made Gerbera-type drones on August 11.
- •The drones were found near the Neptun Deep, a project intended to make Romania the European Union's largest gas producer.
- •Ukrainian officials confirmed to Romania that the recovered drone systems did not belong to them.
- •A previous drone strike on May 29 injured a woman and a child in southeastern Romania.
- •Russian drone incursions into Romanian territory have previously forced the evacuation of over 500 people.
Romanian army explosive ordnance disposal divers destroyed two Russian-made drones found floating in the Black Sea on August 11. The drones were located near the Neptun Deep, an offshore natural gas project currently under development. A ship working in the area first spotted the devices, prompting a response from the Romanian Coast Guard and army personnel.
Identification and origin
The recovered devices were identified as Gerbera-type drones of Russian design. Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruță stated that the country consulted with Ukrainian partners, who confirmed the systems did not belong to Ukraine.
Context of drone incursions
Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Romania has experienced multiple drone incursions, leading to fighter jet interceptions and occasional damage. Previous incidents include a May 29 strike by a Geran-2 drone on an apartment building in southeastern Romania that injured two people and forced the evacuation of 70 residents. Another strike previously damaged a workshop and an electricity pole, resulting in the evacuation of over 500 people.
Timeline
- 2022Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading to subsequent drone incursions into neighboring countries.
- May 29A Russian Geran-2 drone struck an apartment building in southeastern Romania, causing injuries and evacuations.
- August 11Romanian army divers destroyed two Russian-made drones found floating near the Neptun Deep gas project.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Ars Technica.
