Romanian jets destroy Russian drone boat near Neptun Deep gas platform
The incident threatens the Black Sea energy project set to make Romania the EU’s largest gas producer by 2027.
Romanian F-16 fighter jets used cannon fire to disable a Russian-made surface drone boat loaded with explosives near the Neptun Deep offshore gas platform in the Black Sea. The vessel was spotted by the Romanian Coast Guard on 20 August, a few hundred metres from the main drilling platform, where several hundred workers were present. Following the disabling of the drone, army specialists carried out a controlled detonation to ensure the safety of the personnel and infrastructure.
The Neptun Deep project is a critical energy asset for the region. Once it reaches full production in 2027, the platform is expected to double Romania’s gas output and establish the country as the largest gas producer in the European Union. The facility is also projected to supply gas to other European nations, including Germany and Moldova, making it a significant target in the ongoing energy landscape.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan condemned the incident on social media, describing it as an “irresponsible” act by the Russian Federation. He stated that Romania remains vigilant alongside NATO allies to defend against such challenges. This event marks the second suspected Russian drone incident near the site in August, following the destruction of two flying drones on 11 August. In both cases, Romanian authorities confirmed with Ukrainian partners that the drones did not belong to the Ukrainian military.
Independent naval expert H.I. Sutton noted that the drone boat is of an unknown type, distinct from surface drones previously deployed by Russia. Sutton highlighted a “large hinged hangar in the forward hull” that may have allowed the vessel to carry missiles or aerial drones. The boat also featured two flat antennas that may have enabled satellite communications with services such as Starlink, along with radar and other sensors.
The Black Sea has become a contested battleground since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with both sides using drones and missiles to target energy and shipping infrastructure. On 16 August, two Spanish F-18 fighter jets deployed in Romania intercepted and destroyed a drone described by NATO as being of Russian origin. Meanwhile, US intelligence experts have suggested Russia is likely responsible for an attempted drone attack on Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig airport in Germany, though the German government has not formally accused Russia.
