German investigators believe that as many as three drones may have been involved in a suspected attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport in early August, raising concerns that the operation was more extensive than initially understood.
The first drone was discovered in the airport’s secure cargo area late on 4 August near aircraft operated by Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines. It carried an explosive device believed to contain PETN and Semtex. Although the nearby Antonov had previously transported ammunition, subsequent findings indicated that it was empty when the drone was found. The device was secured and defused by specialists.
Shortly afterwards, a DHL cargo aircraft conducting a go-around because of the airport closure apparently struck a small unidentified object. Its pilots had seen an object approximately 30 centimetres wide seconds before impact. Minor damage was subsequently found on the aircraft, although no wreckage from the suspected second drone has been recovered.
Investigators discovered a third drone on 14 August in a field at Kabelsketal, immediately west of the airport. Around 50 grams of a substance suspected to be the military-grade explosive RDX, also known as hexogen, was reportedly recovered with it. An antenna found attached to a tree north of the airport may have formed part of a control system, while DNA traces are also being examined. Tagesschau
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office and Federal Criminal Police Office are investigating the events as a serious suspected attack on Germany’s transport and logistics infrastructure. Leipzig/Halle is a major European cargo hub and is used for NATO logistics and Ukrainian military-related transport.
German media, citing security sources, report that investigators suspect Russian intelligence involvement, but the German government has not formally assigned responsibility. Moscow denies any connection. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the authorities expect to provide more information on those responsible soon.
Sources: Tagesschau, Reuters
This post was published on 25 August 2026 21:51
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