A Romanian soldier tests an anti-drone device during a training exercise at the Capu Midia Training Range in Romania, on April 24, 2026. The exercise incorporated roughly 215 systems, which were organized to construct a single layered defense network of radars, acoustic and radio frequency detectors and other tools. (NATO)
Air defense drills hosted recently by Romania saw NATO troops tracking and downing drone swarms, the latest sign of how the Black Sea country has become a nerve center for efforts to stymie Russian incursions.
Eastern Phoenix 26 involved hundreds of allied personnel, NATO Allied Air Command said in a statement Monday. It incorporated roughly 215 systems organized to construct a single layered defense network of radars, acoustic and radio frequency detectors and other tools, the command said.
Ukrainian experts, battle-tested by the war their country has been fighting against Russia for four years, ensured that the scenarios reflected “evolving threats rather than ideal conditions,” the command said.
The exercise was an extension of NATO’s Eastern Sentry missions focused on protecting airspace.
Romania has emerged as a key partner for U.S. forces in Europe. In addition, it has faced numerous spillover drone incursions during the Russia-Ukraine war, which has prompted NATO countries to step up defenses.
A Romanian soldier readies a drone during exercise Eastern Phoenix 26 at the Capu Midia Training Range in Romania on April 24, 2026. The exercise, an extension of NATO’s Eastern Sentry missions to protect allied airspace, involved hundreds of personnel along with a team of Ukrainian experts. (NATO)
Layered counter-drone defenses await testing during an exercise at the Capu Midia Training Range in Romania on April 24, 2026. More than 200 systems such as radars, electronic warfare tools and radio-frequency detectors were tested across a roughly 1.5-mile area during the exercise. (NATO)
Poland has faced a similar situation. Both countries last year were outfitted with the U.S.-made Merops counter-drone system, which has been used by Ukrainian troops to shoot down Russian-made Shahed drones and other incoming threats.
The U.S. also has taken other steps to boost cooperation with Romania regarding drone technology.
Last week, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll signed a deal that will enable Romania to gain access to the Counter-UAS Marketplace platform, an online tool that helps users quickly find and buy systems to detect and defeat drones.
The platform provides access to a constantly updated catalog of more than 1,600 systems, helping to speed up the buying process.
Romania was the second country to join the initiative, following the United Kingdom.