NATO forces in the skies over the Black Sea: U.S. and Italian fighter jets practice air strikes

 

As part of the large-scale NATO exercise Neptune-25-2, US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet fighters and Italian Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter-bombers conducted joint training in Close Air Support (CAS) for ground troops. These simulation operations took place both in the airspace over the Black Sea and in the training areas of Romania.

The exercises demonstrate a high degree of compatibility and interaction between the air forces of the NATO allies. The American Super Hornet, known for its stability and firepower, flew side by side with the Italian F-35B, the most advanced fifth—generation fighter aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and ultra-high stealth. This combination allows us to work out complex scenarios where the F-35B can use its sensors to detect targets in a highly secure environment, and then transmit data to strike with heavier ammunition from the Super Hornet.

These training sessions underscore NATO's continued presence and combat readiness in the eastern part of the alliance, especially in the coastal regions of the Black Sea, where increased deterrence is a key objective.

Rheinmetall builds tank factory in Romania: "Lynx" will go from the Balkans to the front

 

KF41 Lynx

German defense giant Rheinmetall is making a major strategic move: the company officially launches production of the KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle in Romania. This is not just an assembly of parts — we are talking about creating a full-fledged production facility that will become a key element of the military modernization of the entire Eastern Europe.

The KF41 Lynx is one of the most advanced infantry fighting vehicles in the world: high—speed, modular, with a powerful turret, digital stuffing and the ability to fight not only infantry, but also other armored vehicles and even drones. Now these machines will be assembled not only in Germany, but also at a new factory in the Romanian city of Hushu, which brings production closer to the "hot" eastern border of NATO.

Why is this necessary? Firstly, Romania has ordered hundreds of Lynx (the exact number is being specified, but we are talking about hundreds of cars). Secondly, such production will allow for faster delivery of equipment not only to Romania, but also to other allied countries, such as Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland. This is part of the strategy: to create a "shield" of modern armored vehicles on the eastern flank of NATO.

In addition, local production is also an economy.: thousands of new jobs, development of engineering competencies, technological sovereignty. Rheinmetall doesn't just sell cars — it's building a defense hub in Eastern Europe.

This step is especially important against the background of threats from Russia and rising tensions in the Black Sea. Now NATO will be able to strengthen its positions faster, with equipment assembled right in the region.

Romania buys an Iron Dome from Israel to protect against drones and missiles

 Iron Dome air defense system

The situation is escalating, and Romania clearly does not want to sit idly by. The country's Defense minister Ionuc Mostianu has officially announced that Romania is going to buy the legendary Iron Dome air defense system from Israel. The contract is planned to be signed in the fall of 2025, which means that the country will soon have serious protection against drones, mines and missiles.

What is the "Iron Dome"?

In short, it is a mobile air defense system that can shoot down shells, mines, cruise missiles and even kamikaze drones. It operates at a distance of 4 to 70 km, so it can cover both a city and a military base or port.  

Each battery consists of several launchers with Tamir missiles, an EL/M-2084 radar and a central control unit. In general, everything is grown-up — and most importantly, it works!

Why the Iron Dome?

— High efficiency: yes, sometimes it misses, but on average it intercepts about 90% of targets — especially those that fly slowly and predictably, such as drones.  

— Relevance: considering that Ukraine is next to Romania, where Russia is actively using drones to attack southern ports, border protection has become vital. For example, in the area of the Sulinsky girl, it will be possible to install such complexes and cover the Odessa infrastructure.  

— European Championship: Romania may become the first European country to adopt this system. This is not just an import, it is an application for a leadership role in security issues.

And what's next?

After signing the contract, deliveries will begin, and then the systems will be deployed throughout the country. At the same time, the Iron Dome does not stand still — it is constantly being upgraded so that it can better cope with new threats such as modern UAVs and cruise missiles.  

It is also part of a larger strategy to create a multi—layered air defense system that will work together with other countries. For example, in the framework of the European initiative "Sky Shield" (ESSI) and in conjunction with NATO .

In general, Romania relies on reliable protection and modern technologies. If everything goes according to plan, then in a couple of years the country will become noticeably more confident against the background of growing threats.

Romania has chosen the Rafael Spyder short-range and ultra-short-range air defense system for €1.9 billion

The Romanian Ministry of Defense has announced the selection of the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems as the winner of the tender for the purchase of a short- and ultra-short-range air defense system (V/SHORAD). The total value of the contract is estimated at 1.9 billion euros (about 2.2 billion dollars).

According to preliminary data, the selected system is the Spyder complex, which provides effective protection against low—flying aerial targets, including airplanes, helicopters, drones and short-range missiles. Spyder combines medium-range and short-range missiles with modern detection and guidance systems, which allows for rapid response to threats.

Although the official agreement between the Romanian Ministry of Defense and Rafael has not yet been signed, the defense ministry's statement emphasizes that the decision has been made and the signing of the contract is a formal procedure.

Spyder 

Romania receives 18 F-16 fighter jets for pilot training, but faces financial problems

Romania has received 18 F-16 fighter jets to train Ukrainian pilots, but they are also a financial problem.

Getting a free squadron of modern aircraft may seem like a bargain at first glance, but the Romanian military may soon notice some very costly disadvantages.

After it was announced in April 2025 that Romania would receive all 18 F-16 fighter jets of the Royal Netherlands Air Force to help train Ukrainian and Romanian pilots, the aircraft have now been transferred., and the parties are ready to finalize the agreement.

Over the past two months, F-16s have been delivered to the 86th RoAF Air Base in Borce. A memorandum of understanding to finalize the deal was signed on the sidelines of the ongoing NATO summit in The Hague.

Turkish company Otokar has delivered the first Cobra II 4x4 armored tactical vehicles to Romania

Cobra II 4x4

The Turkish company Otokar announced the delivery of the first Cobra II 4x4 armored tactical vehicles to Romania, marking the beginning of the phase of a major defense contract signed in November 2024 between Otokar and the Romanian Ministry of National Defense through its procurement agency CN Romtehnica SA.

A total of fourteen pieces of equipment manufactured at the Otokar plant in Sakarya were delivered. The machines were delivered to the city of Mediash, where the local Automecanica company will begin integrating subsystems, which is an important step in the implementation of the contract and localization of production.

This contract is a significant step in strengthening Romania's defense capabilities and expanding cooperation with the Turkish manufacturer of military equipment. Cobra II 4x4 armored vehicles are designed to perform various tactical tasks and provide a high level of protection and mobility on the battlefield.

CARFIL in Romania starts production of three types of military UAVs in 2025

The CARFIL company from Brasov, central Romania, plans to start production of three models of Romanian military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in 2025. The new drones are named Cuda, Sirin and marine drone.

These drones were first presented at the Southeast European Special Operations Forces 2025 (SEESOF) Forum, which was held in Targu-Mureş. This forum was the first international event dedicated to special operations forces in the region.

The US Air Force resumed Global Hawk reconnaissance flights over the Black Sea after a long break

After a months-long pause The US Air Force resumed conducting reconnaissance flights of its strategic high-altitude drones Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk over the Black Sea. On May 17, one of these vehicles, flying under the call sign FORTE 10, was spotted during an operation along the coast of Romania.

The drone took off from the NATO Sigonella airbase, located on the island of Sicily, which plays a key role in providing logistics and aerial reconnaissance in the Eastern Mediterranean and surrounding regions. The Global Hawk flight was the first recorded presence of this type of UAV in the Black Sea area in recent months, which may indicate Washington's increased interest in controlling the situation in the region.

The RQ-4B Global Hawk is one of the most technologically advanced reconnaissance drones in the world. It is capable of flying at an altitude of over 18 km, has a long autonomous flight time (up to 30 hours) and is equipped with powerful radar and optical surveillance systems. Such capabilities make it an indispensable tool for obtaining intelligence near areas with increased military activity.

This incident has attracted attention from both military experts and analysts, as Russia has repeatedly complained about increased NATO intelligence activity near its borders, especially over the Black Sea.

The resumption of flights may be due to the aggravation of the geopolitical situation in the region, as well as the need to monitor the movements of Russian troops and ships of the Black Sea Fleet.

 RQ-4B Global Hawk

Hanwha Defense plans to establish a regional center in Romania to support the production and maintenance of K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers

 

           K9 Thunder Self-propelled Howitzers

 
Hanwha Defense has announced plans to establish a regional center in Romania to support the production, maintenance and repair of future K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers. This step is part of the company's broader strategy to expand its presence in the European market and strengthen cooperation with Romania in the field of the defense industry.

The facility will be built in Dymbovica county within two years, starting in the first quarter of 2026. The construction of the center will be carried out in cooperation with defense contractors such as Iveco and Pro Optica. This regional center will include production facilities, a maintenance and repair center, as well as infrastructure for staff training.

The project has received support from the Romanian government, which sees in it not only military, but also economic benefits. The establishment of the center will lead to the integration of Romanian enterprises into the global supply chain of Hanwha Defense. This will allow Romania to become a regional hub for all Hanwha terrestrial systems in Europe.

The K9 Thunder is one of the most popular self—propelled howitzers in the world, used in the armies of more than 10 countries, including NATO states. It has a high rate of fire, range and mobility, which makes it an ideal solution for modern artillery units. The production and maintenance of the K9 Thunder in Romania will help localize technology and create jobs in the country.

Romania Strengthens Maritime Security in the Black Sea: Acquisition of Eight MQ-35A V-BAT UAVs with US Support

 Romania intends to strengthen its naval capabilities in the Black Sea through the acquisition of eight MQ-35A V-BAT drones.

The Romanian Navy will receive the first V-BAT drone system, consisting of four aircraft, as a donation from the United States through the Maritime Domain Awareness Foundation. This initial kit, worth about $18 million, is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

Following this donation, Romania plans to purchase two more V-BAT systems, including eight drones, through a direct intergovernmental agreement with the United States worth about $30 million.

 MQ-35A V-BAT

Latest News on UAP/UFO Sightings in Romani

Recent developments in Romania have sparked renewed interest in Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs. Here are the latest updates and insights into this intriguing topic:

Recent UAP Sightings in Romania

In February 2023, Romania and Moldova reported potential UFO sightings in their airspace, raising security concerns in both nations. Romania's defense ministry deployed two jets under NATO command to investigate an aerial object described as small with characteristics similar to a weather balloon. The object was detected at an altitude of about 36,000 feet, leading to the temporary closure of Moldova's airspace and the scrambling of military jets in Romania.

 Historical Context and Recent Developments

The interest in UAPs has surged following a series of events and disclosures. In 2022, a photo allegedly taken in Romania and presented by Luis Elizondo, a former U.S. government official, was claimed to show a giant "mothership." However, the photo was later revealed to be fake. Elizondo acknowledged the mistake and emphasized the importance of eliminating false evidence from serious UAP discussions.

Additionally, a video circulating on Reddit purportedly shows military personnel shooting at a UAP in Romania. The footage has sparked debates, with some suggesting it could be target practice or flares rather than an actual UAP. The presence of a National Air Defense Training Facility in the area adds to the speculation.

 Public and Government Reactions

The U.S. government has been increasingly transparent about UAP sightings, with Congress holding hearings and the Department of Defense establishing the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office to investigate these phenomena. The office aims to detect, identify, and mitigate UAPs, particularly those posing potential security threats.

Public interest in UAPs remains high, with numerous online discussions and theories. For instance, a Reddit post from September 2021 describes a sighting at the Black Sea in Romania, where an object was reportedly visible for about an hour, intermittently appearing and disappearing. Videos of the incident show what some claim to be a UAP being shot at by military or naval forces.