Surface Drone Explodes in Romania’s Port of Constanța

A surface drone exploded in Romania’s Port of Constanța after striking a protective boom barrier near a pier.

However, according to other reports, the unmanned surface vessel (USV) did not detonate because of the collision. Instead, it exploded on a pre-set timer that had been identified by a bomb disposal team.

The Ministry of National Defence of Romania said that this type of maritime drone is used in the war in Ukraine.

“The maritime drone self-detonated at around 10:30 a.m., with no casualties reported,” the Ministry of Defense said.

The area had already been secured and isolated by the Romanian Coast Guard and the Ministry of National Defence.

The object was undergoing assessment and being rendered safe.

“The maritime drone belongs to a class of unmanned vessels that are used in the war in Ukraine,” the Ministry of National Defence said.

The Ministry of National Defence of Romania also stressed that the vessel was not part of the Romanian Armed Forces’ inventory and had not been involved in any recent exercises conducted in the Black Sea.

Analysts from the Taras Hryhorovych group released footage of the maritime drone taken shortly before its explosion.

The published footage shows that the unmanned surface vessel was equipped with cameras, various technical systems, and what appears to be a Starlink satellite terminal mounted in the bow section.