NATO scrambled two F-18 aircraft overnight after detecting an "aerial target" approaching its eastern border, according to Romania's Ministry of Defence.
Overnight alert
The aircraft, belonging to the Spanish Air and Space Forces, were launched in response to the unidentified target. The ministry did not provide further details on the nature of the target or the outcome of the interception.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and increased military activity near NATO's eastern flank. No additional information was immediately released.
Regional context
This follows recent NATO exercises in the region, including a major wargame in Poland where British troops rehearsed a potential deployment to Ukraine. The alliance has maintained an increased presence in Eastern Europe since the start of the war.
The Romanian ministry's statement confirmed the scramble but offered no further specifics on the incident's timeline or the target's origin. More details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.
