Romania Falls into Cost Trap Ukraine Spent Years Escaping: $400,000 Missiles vs. $20,000 Drones

Romania spent approximately €1.5 million to intercept three Russian drones over a three-day period, predominantly using F-16 missiles. This expenditure underscores a persistent cost asymmetry in modern air defense: the missiles used are significantly more expensive than the drones they target. Each missile can cost around $400,000, while the drones can be as cheap as $20,000. Ukraine has grappled with this same challenge for years, seeking ways to counter cheap drones without depleting expensive munitions. The incident highlights the ongoing financial strain of defending against low-cost drone attacks, even for developed nations.