Romanian army divers destroyed two drones drifting in the country's Black Sea exclusive economic zone on Aug. 11 [1], [2].
The incident occurred near the Neptun Deep offshore gas project, a strategic energy hub. The interception highlights the growing vulnerability of critical maritime infrastructure to unmanned aerial vehicles in the region.
Defence Minister Radu Miruta said the operation was necessary to protect critical assets. "We have destroyed two Gerbera‑type drones that were drifting in our EEZ near the Neptun Deep project to protect our critical infrastructure," Miruta said [1].
The drones were identified as Gerbera-type models [1]. These units were found drifting within the exclusive economic zone, which is the area where a coastal state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production.
Romanian forces acted to neutralize the two [1] devices to prevent potential damage or intelligence gathering at the gas project site. The Neptun Deep project represents a major effort to increase domestic energy production and reduce reliance on external imports.
Officials did not specify the origin of the drones in the immediate statement, though the Gerbera type is associated with Russian manufacturing. The operation was carried out by army divers to ensure the threats were removed from the water [1].
Security in the Black Sea has remained tense as nations work to safeguard pipelines and drilling platforms. This latest encounter underscores the persistent risk posed by drifting or malfunctioning drones near high-value energy targets.
“"We have destroyed two Gerbera‑type drones that were drifting in our EEZ near the Neptun Deep project to protect our critical infrastructure,"”
The neutralization of these drones suggests an increase in surveillance or accidental drift of military-grade hardware near Romania's most critical energy assets. By targeting the area surrounding the Neptun Deep project, the incident emphasizes the strategic importance of the Black Sea's energy corridor and the necessity for constant maritime patrols to deter sabotage or espionage.
