Explosive Drone Found At German Airport As Sabotage Fears Intensify

German police safely neutralised an explosive-laden drone discovered near Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport after another unidentified object struck a cargo plane. Authorities are investigating the incident as a major security threat amid growing concerns over sabotage targeting critical infrastructure. The discovery follows previous suspected sabotage attacks involving explosive parcels at the same airport and comes as Germany continues to monitor increased drone activity linked to possible foreign intelligence operations.

German authorities have launched a major security investigation after an explosive-carrying drone was discovered near military-linked cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport, raising fresh concerns over suspected sabotage targeting critical infrastructure.
Police said an airport employee discovered the drone carrying an explosive device near Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft during overnight operations.
Bomb disposal specialists deployed a robot to secure the device before removing its detonator and carrying out a controlled explosion.
Authorities also revealed that a second unidentified object struck a cargo aircraft operating from the airport. The aircraft landed safely in Hanover, where inspectors found minor damage.
No injuries were reported.

AIRPORT OPERATIONS DISRUPTED

Following the discovery, authorities temporarily suspended operations on one of the airport's runways while security teams searched the area.
Flights later resumed on the northern runway, while the southern runway remained closed as investigations continued.
Saxony Interior Minister Armin Schuster described the incident as a "very serious security incident."
Investigators have not officially identified those responsible.

SUSPICION FALLS ON RUSSIA

Ukraine's Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, suggested Russia could be behind the incident, asking: "Who else could it be but Russia?"
Moscow has not commented on the allegations.
Leipzig/Halle Airport plays a strategically important role as a logistics hub for DHL, while also supporting German and NATO military transport operations and serving as a major European base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines.

PART OF A WIDER PATTERN

German authorities have reported numerous unauthorised drone flights over military bases, airports, ports, energy facilities and logistics centres since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned that some of the drone activity could be linked to Russian intelligence operations aimed at gathering information or testing European security systems.
Security experts say the latest incident suggests the threat may be evolving from surveillance towards potential physical sabotage.

PREVIOUS SABOTAGE INCIDENTS

The latest discovery follows several suspected sabotage cases across Europe.
In July 2024, an explosive parcel caught fire at Leipzig/Halle Airport before it could be loaded onto a DHL cargo aircraft.
Investigators later revealed that several parcels sent across Europe contained improvised incendiary devices concealed inside massage pillows and activated by electronic timers.
Western intelligence agencies have suspected Russian involvement in those attacks, although Moscow has denied any role.
Germany has also uncovered several espionage investigations linked to foreign powers.
Last year, a Chinese national was convicted of passing sensitive information concerning cargo operations and flight schedules at Leipzig/Halle Airport to an alleged intelligence operative.

SECURITY ALERT ACROSS EUROPE

The latest incident is expected to intensify security measures at airports and other strategic facilities across Germany and Europe.
Officials say protecting military logistics, transport infrastructure and supply chains has become increasingly important as the war in Ukraine continues and concerns grow over hybrid threats, espionage and sabotage targeting European nations.