Romania Expects NATO Allies' Aid to Strengthen Air Defense After May 29 Russian Drone Strike in Galați

Romanian Foreign Minister Luminița Odobescu stated that several allies are preparing to strengthen air defense capabilities along NATO's eastern flank. This follows a Russian attack drone striking an apartment building in Galați on May 29, causing a fire and injuring two residents. The incident, identified as a Russian «Geran-2» type drone, was the most serious on Romanian territory.

Odobescu noted that the incident will accelerate NATO's measures to reinforce surveillance and response systems, including radar stations, fighter jets, and counter-drone technologies. Bucharest had previously provided NATO with a list of needs. Allies are assessing how to supplement Romania's existing systems, especially along its border with Ukraine. Reinforcements may include additional aircraft for air policing missions and expanded radar coverage to track low-flying drones.

France is discussing support for radar systems, while the UK, Italy, and Spain have expressed readiness to increase their contributions to air defense operations. Odobescu emphasized a common understanding of the need to strengthen NATO's eastern flank, including the Baltic states.