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Romanian Jets Shoot Down Drone Near Padina, Validating New Law

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Romanian forces shot down a drone near Padina on July 24, 2026.
Radar detections at 09:30 a.m. and 09:39 a.m. prompted Romanian F-16s and Italian Eurofighters to scramble.
The pilot fired at 11:00 a.m., causing the drone to crash in a wheat field with no injuries.
President Nicusor Dan, Foreign Minister Oana Toiu and Army Chief General Gheorghita Vlad said the shoot-down validates 2025 law, will speed upgrades, and that the drone resembled a Shahed-type.

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Story summary

Romanian forces shot down a drone near Padina on July 24, 2026.
Radar detections at 09:30 a.m. and 09:39 a.m. prompted Romanian F-16s and Italian Eurofighters to scramble.
The pilot fired at 11:00 a.m., causing the drone to crash in a wheat field with no injuries.
President Nicusor Dan, Foreign Minister Oana Toiu and Army Chief General Gheorghita Vlad said the shoot-down validates 2025 law, will speed upgrades, and that the drone resembled a Shahed-type.