RAF Typhoons scrambled in response to Russian drone threat near Nato airspace | Military
Two RAF Typhoons took off from a Romanian air base to attack Russian drones close to NATO airspace, although they did not open fire.
British defense sources said the warplanes did not enter Ukrainian airspace; this contradicts reports that Russian drones were shot down there by the RAF; This was an event that would represent a major escalation in hostilities between the Western alliance and Moscow.
Romanian officials reported that the Typhoons took off at 02:00 on Saturday in response to the unmanned aerial vehicle threat, established radar contact with the targets and had the authority to activate if necessary.
Shooting down Russian drones inside Ukraine would be significant because Ukraine is not a member of NATO and the West has consistently refused to monitor its skies to avoid a direct conflict with Russia.
The typhoons are in Romania as part of a rotating multinational NATO air mission to protect Eastern European countries from Russian drone attacks that could stem from the war in Ukraine.
The RAF Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft operated strictly in Romanian airspace in accordance with national and allied rules of engagement and did not enter Ukrainian airspace at any point during the mission, officials said.
A spokesman for the Romanian defense ministry said the pilots were authorized to use drones if they violate Romanian airspace, but did not receive them. The mission remained one of surveillance, deterrence, and readiness to respond when necessary.
The spokesman said: “Ground-based radar systems tracked multiple aerial targets approaching the area near Reni [Ukraine]Later, explosions were reported.
“From that moment on, communication with the drones was lost. Half an hour later, residents of Galați [in Romania] One emergency service reported via 112 that an object had fallen in an area on the outskirts of the town.
“Allied aircraft maintained a defensive posture, contributing to increased situational awareness and protection of NATO airspace.”
The UK Ministry of Defense has been approached for comment.
