‘Much better defence’ required to avert Russian drones, former Romanian NATO official tells Euronews

NATO Urged to Strengthen Defenses Against Russian Drones

Much better defence required to avert - Following a recent drone attack in Romania, former NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană has called for a significant upgrade in Europe’s defensive capabilities. The incident, which occurred in the southeastern city of Galați, involved a Russian drone carrying explosives that crashed into a residential building, igniting a fire and leaving two residents injured. Geoană, who served in NATO’s leadership from 2019 to 2024 and previously held the role of Romanian Foreign Minister from 2000 to 2004, highlighted the urgency of modernizing air and missile defense systems to counter emerging threats.

Romania’s Response to the Drone Incursion

Romania’s government swiftly attributed the attack to Moscow, marking the Russian consul in Constanța as a persona non grata. The decision to close the consulate followed the incident, underscoring the country’s heightened alert. Despite scrambling two F-16 fighter jets to intercept the drone, the military reportedly had only four minutes to respond before the aircraft struck its target. General Gheorghe Maxim, a senior Romanian military official, noted the lack of time or space to effectively engage the drone, raising questions about NATO’s readiness to defend its eastern flank.

“The shock of the Russian incursion and explosion on a block of apartments in Galați is still here with us,” Geoană remarked during an interview with Euronews’ Europe Today programme. He emphasized that the attack was a stark reminder of the evolving nature of warfare, particularly the increasing use of drones as a tool for strategic disruption.

Galați, a major industrial city on the Danube River, has become a focal point in the escalating tensions between Russia and NATO. Geoană pointed out that the city’s proximity to Ukraine’s border makes it a critical location for monitoring cross-border threats. “On the other side of the river is Ukraine, and Russia is constantly attacking infrastructure there,” he explained. This context, he argued, places Romania in a precarious position, requiring a coordinated defense strategy to prevent further incursions.

Russian Reactions and Ongoing Threats

While Romania took immediate action, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed any direct responsibility for the incident, framing it as a broader geopolitical maneuver rather than an isolated act. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, suggested that more drones would continue to enter European airspace, stating, “The peaceful sleep is over.” His comments reflect a growing confidence in Russia’s ability to project power through unconventional means, even as it faces NATO’s conventional military presence.

Recent weeks have seen a series of drone sightings across Europe, with the Baltic states expressing particular concern. These incidents, though not yet resulting in casualties, have heightened fears about the potential for larger-scale attacks. Geoană stressed that the Galați incident marks a pivotal moment, as it is the first time Romanians have been injured by a drone strike. “This has shifted the narrative,” he said, adding that Europe must now prioritize low-altitude defense systems to address such threats effectively.

NATO’s Preparedness and Future Strategies

Geoană’s analysis of the incident reveals a gap in NATO’s current defensive architecture. While the alliance has robust systems for mid- and high-altitude threats, such as Patriot missiles and F-16 operations, the low-altitude domain remains vulnerable. “For this basically low altitude things… you can acquire them, the only thing is that you have to put your right priorities in the right place,” he explained. This sentiment echoes concerns within NATO about the uneven distribution of resources across different defense sectors.

The attack on Galați also highlights the importance of regional cooperation. Romania’s participation in the Baltic Air Policing Mission, which includes the deployment of F-16 fighter jets, has been a key component of NATO’s strategy to monitor and intercept potential threats. However, the failure to stop the drone in time has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of these missions and the need for more advanced technology. “We have to do a much better effort to try to find the right kind of air and missile defence for NATO in general,” Geoană urged, calling for a unified approach to modern warfare challenges.

As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year, Romania’s strategic position has made it a frontline nation in the fight against Russian aggression. The country’s proximity to the battlefield has intensified its focus on defending against both direct attacks and indirect threats like drones. Geoană noted that this ongoing tension has created a climate of “concern” within Bucharest, driving the need for stronger collective security measures. “The fear is real, and it’s not just about Galați,” he said, emphasizing the psychological impact of such incidents on civilian populations.

The incident in Galați serves as a case study for NATO’s evolving defense needs. While the alliance has made progress in countering high-altitude threats, the use of drones in low-altitude attacks presents a new challenge. These unmanned systems, capable of evading radar and striking with precision, require specialized countermeasures. Geoană called for an urgent review of NATO’s defense policies, suggesting that current systems may not be sufficient to protect against the next wave of drone strikes. “The situation demands more than just incremental improvements,” he stated, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of air defense infrastructure.

Analysts have pointed to the Galați attack as a harbinger of future conflicts, where drones could play a central role in both offensive and defensive operations. With Russia continuing to develop its drone capabilities, the potential for more frequent and damaging incursions into European airspace grows. Geoană’s comments underscore the importance of proactive defense, urging NATO members to invest in technologies that can detect, track, and neutralize low-flying drones. “This is not just a tactical issue—it’s a strategic one,” he argued, emphasizing the need for unity and preparedness across the alliance.

In the wake of the incident, the Romanian military has begun evaluating its response protocols. The four-minute window to intercept the drone has raised questions about the timing and coordination of air defense systems. While the F-16 jets were deployed, their inability to prevent the attack highlights the limitations of current technology. “We need to improve reaction times and enhance our surveillance capabilities,” Geoană said, noting that such improvements could prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the situation evolves, the focus on drone defense is likely to intensify. NATO officials are expected to push for greater investment in low-altitude systems, including advanced radar networks and anti-drone weaponry. The Galați incident has also prompted discussions about the psychological toll of such attacks, with Geoană highlighting the lingering “shock” felt by the city’s residents. “This is more than just physical damage—it’s about the perception of vulnerability,” he said, calling for a renewed commitment to collective security.

Watch the full interview with Mircea Geoană in the player above to gain deeper insights into NATO’s strategic challenges and the lessons learned from the Galați drone strike. The event has not only exposed weaknesses in Europe’s defenses but also reinforced the need for a unified response to the changing dynamics of modern warfare.