Romanian forces detonate two drones near Black Sea Neptun Deep gas platform

Romanian defence officials reported that army divers destroyed two Gerbera-type drones drifting in the country's Black Sea exclusive economic zone adjacent to the Neptun Deep offshore gas project. The drones were observed by a civilian vessel working near the platform, and after consulting Ukrainian contacts, the ministry confirmed the devices did not belong to Ukraine. To safeguard the navigation route and the construction activities, a controlled explosion was carried out.

This action comes after repeated Russian drone violations of Romanian airspace and the presence of floating mines across key Black Sea trade routes. NATO allies Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey have collectively neutralised over 150 mines and recently expanded their joint task force to protect critical infrastructure. Neptun Deep, co-owned by OMV Petrom and Romgaz, is slated to start production in 2027, positioning Romania as the EU's largest gas producer.