Romania is one step closer to strengthening its air defenses in response to the increasing military activity of Russia in the region
The country's interim president, Ilie Bolojan, has signed a new law that grants the military additional powers regarding air defense, including the authority to shoot down any unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that illegally appear in Romanian airspace. This specifically concerns Russian-made drones, particularly so-called "lost" UAVs, which frequently appear in news reports due to their role in modern conflicts. The law was adopted back in February 2025, but its official signing took place only now, after completing formal procedures and prior discussions in parliament. The initiative was prompted by serious incidents where UAVs, especially strike-type drones used by Russia for attacks, crossed Ukraine's borders and penetrated into Romanian territory, particularly in southern regions such as the Odesa region. The latest incident occurred in March, when a Russian drone was detected and destroyed in a border zone near Reni, a city close to the Ukrainian border. The architects of the new legal changes argue that this step will allow more effective defense of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as enhance the safety of citizens in border areas. They emphasize that the law provides for the possibility of using weapons against any objects that violate the country's airspace without proper permits and authorized regimes. This includes not only Russian UAVs but also other drones that appear in military or racing contexts but then enter restricted zones. The procedure to challenge the law in the Constitutional Court was initiated by several far-right political forces, who expressed concerns about potential abuses or human rights violations. However, the court decided to uphold the new law, confirming the legality of its provisions in the context of ensuring national security. This means that Romanian military forces will have the right to shoot down any unidentified or illegally detected drones in their airspace, which, according to experts, will increase the country's defensive capacity. This step by Romania occurs amid rising regional tensions and the active deployment of Russian unmanned aircraft for malicious purposes, including reconnaissance and attacks on Ukrainian positions. Officials emphasize that the new law does not violate international law, as it is aimed at protecting the country's sovereignty and security of its citizens. At the same time, experts describe this move as an act of demonstrating resolve in confronting modern challenges and an effort to strengthen the country's defense strategy amid Russia's aggression. Thus, the adopted law marks a new chapter in Romania's defense system, emphasizing rapid response and effective neutralization of potential threats from the airspace. Simultaneously, it sparks lively public and political debate about the limits of military security and respect for human rights, given the delicate balance between national security and international standards. Despite the irreversible adoption of these changes, internal discussions continue, as the country seeks to solidify its security position in a volatile region.