Two NATO Air Police F-16 fighter jets took off in the early hours of the morning from the 86th Air Base in Fetesti, following an incident related to airspace violations in Romania.
The operation began at 01:19 and was also supported by an IAR-330 SOCAT helicopter of the Romanian Air Force.
According to reports, the pilots had authorization to engage targets throughout the mission in Romanian airspace. Details on the targets involved were not disclosed, but the intervention comes as part of NATO's increased vigilance on the eastern flank.
NATO's Secretary General has been in contact with Romanian authorities, while the alliance strongly condemned the incident. NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart stated on Platform X that the alliance "condemns Russia's recklessness" and will continue to strengthen defenses against aerial threats, including drones.
A little later, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he had spoken with Romanian President Nicușor Dan, stressing that "Russia's war must end," as well as reaffirming the commitment to strengthening collective defense and support for Ukraine.
The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with NATO countries bordering Ukraine having increased air readiness due to repeated threats from drones and Russian military activity.
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