A Spanish fighter jet on NATO duties shot down a drone after it breached Romanian airspace near the country’s border with Ukraine and Moldova, Romania’s defence ministry said on Sunday (Aug 16). The drone entered from Moldova and was intercepted by an F-18 deployed on NATO duties.The ministry added that the debris fell in the Galati region near the Ukrainian border, an unpopulated area. The incident happened at 5:01 am local time. According to authorities, no casualties or damage was immediately reported.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-replacing-uss-abraham-lincoln-amid-reports-of-suffering-troops-new-aircraft-carrier-to-arrive-in-middle-east-1786681186213">US replacing USS Abraham Lincoln amid reports of suffering troops? New aircraft carrier to arrive in Middle East</a>Romania’s Black Sea coast lies close to Ukrainian areas that have repeatedly come under Russian attack. In particular, Ukrainian ports along the Danube River, situated close to Romania’s border, have been targeted during the war.Romanian authorities have repeatedly found fragments of drones on their territory since 2023 following Russian strikes in the region. The latest incident, however, highlights the increasing pressure on NATO’s air-defence systems as drones linked to the conflict cross into allied airspace.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exercises-in-name-expansion-in-fact-taiwan-slams-planned-china-indonesia-drill-as-political-manipulation-1786507824356">‘Exercises in name, expansion in fact’: Taiwan slams planned China-Indonesia drill as ‘political manipulation’</a>Last month, Romania also shot down a drone after it entered the country’s airspace roughly 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Bucharest. It was the first time Romania had taken such action since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.Similar airspace incidents have raised concerns across NATO’s eastern flank. Poland and the Baltic states have also reported breaches linked to the war.On Friday, NATO said Italian fighter jets operating under its air-policing mission shot down a drone that had entered Latvian airspace.The latest Romanian incident comes as NATO members maintain heightened vigilance over their airspace, particularly along the alliance’s border with Ukraine.

A Spanish F-18 shot down a drone after it breached Romanian airspace near Ukraine and Moldova. Debris fell in an unpopulated area, as NATO faces growing airspace threats linked to the war.

A Spanish fighter jet on NATO duties shot down a drone after it breached Romanian airspace near the country’s border with Ukraine and Moldova, Romania’s defence ministry said on Sunday (Aug 16). The drone entered from Moldova and was intercepted by an F-18 deployed on NATO duties. The ministry added that the debris fell in the Galati region near the Ukrainian border, an unpopulated area. The incident happened at 5:01 am local time. According to authorities, no casualties or damage was immediately reported. Also read | US replacing USS Abraham Lincoln amid reports of suffering troops? New aircraft carrier to arrive in Middle East Romania’s Black Sea coast lies close to Ukrainian areas that have repeatedly come under Russian attack. In particular, Ukrainian ports along the Danube River, situated close to Romania’s border, have been targeted during the war. Romanian authorities have repeatedly found fragments of drones on their territory since 2023 following Russian strikes in the region. The latest incident, however, highlights the increasing pressure on NATO’s air-defence systems as drones linked to the conflict cross into allied airspace. Also read | ‘Exercises in name, expansion in fact’: Taiwan slams planned China-Indonesia drill as ‘political manipulation’ Last month, Romania also shot down a drone after it entered the country’s airspace roughly 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Bucharest. It was the first time Romania had taken such action since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Similar airspace incidents have raised concerns across NATO’s eastern flank. Poland and the Baltic states have also reported breaches linked to the war. On Friday, NATO said Italian fighter jets operating under its air-policing mission shot down a drone that had entered Latvian airspace. The latest Romanian incident comes as NATO members maintain heightened vigilance over their airspace, particularly along the alliance’s border with Ukraine.

A Spanish F-18 shot down a drone after it breached Romanian airspace near Ukraine and Moldova. Debris fell in an unpopulated area, as NATO faces growing airspace threats linked to the war.

Spanish F-18 shoots down drone after it breaches Romanian airspace near Ukraine

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (May 21) slammed NATO for not supporting the US military campaign against Iran, accusing several member nations of benefiting from the alliance while failing to back the United States during a major conflict. Speaking to reporters in Miami before departing for NATO foreign ministers’ talks in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio said many alliance members agree that Iran poses a global threat and should not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. However, he expressed frustration that most countries stopped short of supporting US military action.“There are many countries in NATO that agree with us that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon, that Iran is a threat to the world,” Rubio told reporters.President Donald Trump “said, fine, I’m going to do something about it,” he said. “He’s not asking them to commit troops. He’s not asking them to send their fighter jets in. But they refuse to do anything.”“We were very upset about that,” Rubio added.The secretary further added, “I’ve been a strong supporter of NATO my entire career.” He continued, “I know why NATO is good for Europe, but why is NATO good for America? Because it gives us bases in the region that allow us to project power during a contingency in the Middle East or somewhere else.”“So when that is the key rationale for why you're in NATO, and then you have countries like Spain denying us the use of these bases, well then, why are you in NATO? That's a very fair question,” he said. He added that other countries were more helpful, previously singling out Portugal for praise.The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28 without prior consultation with NATO allies. Several European leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have questioned the need for the war. The US and Israel have claimed an imminent nuclear threat from Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s retaliation has triggered a global energy crisis.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised NATO allies for refusing to back the US campaign against Iran, saying Washington was “very upset” as tensions and the global energy crisis continue to escalate.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (May 21) slammed NATO for not supporting the US military campaign against Iran, accusing several member nations of benefiting from the alliance while failing to back the United States during a major conflict. Speaking to reporters in Miami before departing for NATO foreign ministers’ talks in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio said many alliance members agree that Iran poses a global threat and should not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. However, he expressed frustration that most countries stopped short of supporting US military action. “There are many countries in NATO that agree with us that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon, that Iran is a threat to the world,” Rubio told reporters. President Donald Trump “said, fine, I’m going to do something about it,” he said. “He’s not asking them to commit troops. He’s not asking them to send their fighter jets in. But they refuse to do anything.” “We were very upset about that,” Rubio added. The secretary further added, “I’ve been a strong supporter of NATO my entire career.” He continued, “I know why NATO is good for Europe, but why is NATO good for America? Because it gives us bases in the region that allow us to project power during a contingency in the Middle East or somewhere else.” “So when that is the key rationale for why you're in NATO, and then you have countries like Spain denying us the use of these bases, well then, why are you in NATO? That's a very fair question,” he said. He added that other countries were more helpful, previously singling out Portugal for praise. The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28 without prior consultation with NATO allies. Several European leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have questioned the need for the war. The US and Israel have claimed an imminent nuclear threat from Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s retaliation has triggered a global energy crisis.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised NATO allies for refusing to back the US campaign against Iran, saying Washington was “very upset” as tensions and the global energy crisis continue to escalate.

‘They refuse to do anything’: Rubio says US ‘very upset’ with NATO for not supporting war in Iran

Global military spending reached nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, rising amid growing tensions and conflicts worldwide, with countries continuing to boost defence budgets. Check the full list of top spenders here.

‘Another year of wars’: Global military spending reaches nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025 – Check top spenders, India’s position

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called on more countries to contribute to a US scheme that sees allies pay for American weapons for Ukraine, and warned Moscow that the US and its allies would impose costs on it for its continued aggression if the war in Ukraine does not come to an end. “You get peace when you are strong, not when you use strong words or wag your finger, you get it when you have strong and real capabilities that adversaries respect,” Hegseth told reporters. &nbsp;“Now is the time for all NATO countries to turn words into action,” the Pentagon chief said. “No free riders.” Hegseth also warned Moscow that the US and its allies would “impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression” if the war in Ukraine does not come to an end.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Secretary of War Hegseth at NATO defense ministers’ security summit in Brussels, declares, “Firepower, that’s what is coming and we expect it is coming from NATO.” <a href="https://t.co/AxZAb458a9">pic.twitter.com/AxZAb458a9</a>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osint613/status/1978361960983933019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;“If we must take this step, the US War Department stands ready to do our part in ways that only the United States can do,” Hegseth said at a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group of Kyiv’s allies at NATO headquarters, but did not elaborate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-s-china-vs-the-world-us-will-neither-be-commanded-nor-controlled-says-treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-1760543539998">‘It’s China vs. the world’: US will ‘neither be commanded nor controlled,’ says treasury secretary Scott Bessent</a><h2>‘Stop needless bloodshed, come to the peace table’</h2>“Now is the time to end this tragic war, stop the needless bloodshed, and come to the peace table,” Hegseth said.“This is not a war that started on President Trump’s watch, but it will end on his watch.”Hegseth called on NATO allies to increase spending on purchases of US weapons for Ukraine, following a report about a sharp decline in Western military support for Kyiv in July and August.&nbsp;Washington has shifted closer to Kyiv as President Donald Trump has lost patience with Russian leader Vladimir Putin for stalling on peace efforts. The Trump administration is considering request from Ukraine for long-range Tomahawk missiles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">SecDef Pete Hegseth to Ukrainian contact group: Conflict must end, Ukrainian membership in NATO will not be part of a negotiated settlement, and Ukraine must accept it will not return to pre-2014 borders. <a href="https://t.co/gFjeCKXdC4">pic.twitter.com/gFjeCKXdC4</a>&mdash; Bad Hombre (@joma_gc) <a href="https://twitter.com/joma_gc/status/1889693411776569358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Hegseth and Rutte said they expected a string of countries to announce new money for the programme set up by Trump over the summer, beyond the two billion dollars committed so far.&nbsp;“Our expectation today is that more countries donate even more, that they purchase even more to provide for Ukraine, to bring that conflict to a peaceful conclusion,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-you-can-t-do-this-in-a-nation-of-laws-judge-blocks-trump-s-layoffs-during-federal-shutdown-calls-them-illegal-1760557402475">‘You can’t do this in a nation of laws’: Judge blocks Trump’s layoffs during federal shutdown, calls them illegal</a><h2>NATO testing new anti-drone defences to plug gaps in defence</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, NATO said Wednesday it was testing new anti-drone defences on its eastern flank to plug gaps in defence, as the alliance scrambles to counter the threat from Russia after a series of air incursions.&nbsp;“NATO will implement a number of additional counter drone measures that will build on and expand and accelerate our ability to counter drones,” EU chief Mark Rutte said after a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels.“We are testing integrated systems that will help us detect, track and neutralise aerial threats,” Rutte added.&nbsp;“Let me say it once and for all, the EU and NATO are working hand in hand, closely together, and we both know our strength,” Rutte insisted.&nbsp;WATCH: Syria: Assad govt 'secretly' moved mass grave<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syria-assad-govt-secretly-moved-mass-grave-1760552596566/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/syria-assad-govt-secretly-moved-mass-grave-1760552596566/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Ukraine’s defence minister Denys Shmygal said Kyiv hoped the total committed under the initiative would reach “12 to 20 billion dollars” next year.&nbsp;The Kremlin has warned Washington against the supply of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, but Trump may be willing to let Kyiv hit deep inside Russia to pressure Putin towards peace.

Washington has shifted closer to Kyiv as President Donald Trump has lost patience with Russian leader Vladimir Putin for stalling on peace efforts. The Trump administration is considering a request from Ukraine for long-range Tomahawk missiles.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called on more countries to contribute to a US scheme that sees allies pay for American weapons for Ukraine, and warned Moscow that the US and its allies would impose costs on it for its continued aggression if the war in Ukraine does not come to an end. “You get peace when you are strong, not when you use strong words or wag your finger, you get it when you have strong and real capabilities that adversaries respect,” Hegseth told reporters. “Now is the time for all NATO countries to turn words into action,” the Pentagon chief said. “No free riders.” Hegseth also warned Moscow that the US and its allies would “impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression” if the war in Ukraine does not come to an end.

Washington has shifted closer to Kyiv as President Donald Trump has lost patience with Russian leader Vladimir Putin for stalling on peace efforts. The Trump administration is considering a request from Ukraine for long-range Tomahawk missiles.

‘Peace comes through strength’: Hegseth warns Russia of ‘costs’ if Ukraine war does not end

Within this powerful coalition, there exists a striking imbalance: while some members command vast armies and advanced weaponry, others operate with limited manpower, modest budgets, or even without a standing army at all. 

From Slovenia to Iceland: 7 NATO countries with the lowest military strength

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Spanish F-18 shoots down drone after it breaches Romanian airspace near Ukraine

Rubio says US ‘very upset’ with NATO for not supporting war in Iran

Global military spending reaches nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025 – Check list

‘Peace comes through strength’: Hegseth warns Russia of ‘costs’ for aggression

From Slovenia to Iceland: 7 NATO countries with the lowest military strength