Romania's Military Expenditure Rises as Russian Drones Enter Airspace
Romania's military has spent approximately €1.5 million ($1.7 million) over three days to intercept and destroy three Russian drones that violated its airspace. The Romanian Air Force utilized AIM-9X air-to-air missiles, each costing around $400,000, fired from F-16 fighter jets to down the drones. The Romanian defense ministry emphasized the importance of protecting civilians despite the high costs, acknowledging the financial strain if such incursions persist. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, over 100 attacks have been recorded near Romania's border, with drones entering Romanian airspace 33 times. Debris from these drones has been found on Romanian territory in about 50 incidents. Romania is exploring more cost-effective interception methods, including helicopters with machine guns, and plans to acquire two counter-drone systems next year. 
