Romanian forces shoot down two high-speed Russian Geran-4 drones for first time
Romania’s interim defence minister said two Russian-made Geran-4 drones, travelling about 450 km/h, were intercepted and destroyed in Romanian airspace.
At a press briefing, interim defence minister Radu Miruță identified the two downed drones as Russian Geran-4 models fitted with turboprop engines and capable of speeds near 450 km/h. He explained that these drones, with an estimated range of 800-900 km, represent a new challenge for Romania’s air-defence system, which previously dealt with slower, prop-driven UAVs. Fighter aircraft were on standby in the sector where the drones were expected to breach Romanian airspace, enabling a rapid response.
The two interceptions took place about four and a half minutes apart, at roughly 18:01 and 18:05 local time. Miruță highlighted three firsts: consecutive downing by the same crew, interception shortly after airspace entry, and neutralisation of a drone type never before shot down by Romanian troops.
Why it matters
It shows Romania’s ability to counter faster, longer-range Russian drones, raising regional security stakes.
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