Romanian F-16 Pilot Who Downed Drone in Estonia Decorated

Romanian F-16 pilot, Căpitanul comandor Pavelescu Costel-Alexandru, was honored by the Ministry of Defense for shooting down a drone in Estonian airspace. The decoration ceremony took place in Lithuania, where the interim Minister of Defense, Radu Miruţă, along with other high-ranking officials, met with members of the Romanian detachment "Carpathian Vipers."

Ministerial Visit to Lithuanian Air Base

The interim Minister of Defense, Radu Miruţă, accompanied by the Chief of the General Staff, General Gheorghiţă Vlad, and the Chief of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Leonard Baraboi, visited the Šiauliai airbase in Lithuania on Friday, May 22. The delegation met with the members of the "Carpathian Vipers" detachment.

The Ministry of Defense announced that the main responsibilities of the Romanian military in the Baltic airspace, cooperation with allies, and the challenges faced in the current missions were discussed. The ceremony also included the presentation of the "Emblem of Messenger for Peace, Class I" to the pilot for his recent action.

Recognition and Training

The Ministry emphasized that the success of the mission was the result of years of preparation, discipline, and teamwork. The pilot's achievement was highlighted as a significant contribution to the mission's success.