Romania’s Defense Minister confirms destruction of two drones near Neptun Deep

Romania shot down two unauthorized drones near the Neptun Deep gas project in the Black Sea, Defense Minister Radu Miruță confirmed in late July 2026. The drones were identified as Gerbera-type decoys, a classification that suggests they were designed to test or overwhelm air defense systems rather than carry warheads directly. What Neptun Deep means for Europe’s energy map Neptun Deep is not a modest drilling operation. The offshore gas field holds an estimated 100 billion cubic meters of recoverable natural gas reserves. At a projected output of roughly 8 billion cubic meters per year, the project would make Romania the largest natural gas producer in the EU. The joint venture between OMV Petrom and Romgaz carries a price tag of around €4 billion. First gas production is targeted for 2027, which means the project is now entering its most vulnerable phase: infrastructure is being installed, but the system isn’t yet generating revenue or operating at full defensive readiness. Pipeline construction kicked off in May 2026. The Neptun Alpha platform was installed in waters approximately 120 meters deep earlier in July. The drone threat in the Black Sea Romanian F-16s have been involve...