Two RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled from a Romanian air base early on Saturday in response to Russian drone activity near Nato airspace, but did not open fire as the targets remained within Ukrainian airspace.
British defence sources confirmed that the fighter jets did not enter Ukrainian airspace, contradicting reports that Russian drones had been shot down by the RAF there. Such an event would have represented a major escalation between the western alliance and Moscow.
Romanian officials reported that the Typhoons took off at 2am, established radar contact on the targets, and had authorisation to engage if necessary. The jets are based in Romania as part of a rotating multinational Nato air mission to protect eastern European countries from Russian drone incursions.
A Romanian defence ministry spokesperson said ground-based radar systems tracked multiple aerial targets approaching the area near Reni, Ukraine, where explosions were subsequently reported. Contact with the drones was lost, and half an hour later, residents of Galați, Romania, reported the fall of an object on the outskirts of the town.
The spokesperson added that allied aircraft maintained a defensive posture, contributing to enhanced situational awareness and the protection of Nato airspace. The mission remained one of surveillance, deterrence, and readiness to respond if required.
