Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from a Romanian air base in response to Russian drones approaching Nato airspace, but the jets did not open fire. British defence sources confirmed that the aircraft did not enter Ukrainian airspace, contradicting reports that Russian drones had been shot down by the RAF over Ukraine.
Romanian officials reported that the Typhoons took off at 2am on Saturday after ground-based radar systems detected multiple aerial targets near the Ukrainian town of Reni, where explosions were subsequently reported. The pilots established radar contact and had authorisation to engage if necessary.
The incident highlights the careful balance Nato must strike in protecting its members while avoiding direct confrontation with Russia. Ukraine is not a Nato member, and the alliance has consistently refused to police its skies to prevent escalation.
The RAF Typhoons are part of a rotating multinational Nato air mission based in Romania to protect eastern European countries from Russian drone incursions that might spill over from the war in Ukraine. The aircraft operated strictly within Romanian airspace, adhering to national and allied rules of engagement.
A spokesperson for the Romanian defence ministry said the mission remained one of surveillance, deterrence, and readiness. After contact with the drones was lost, residents of Galați in Romania reported the fall of an object, which is under investigation.
