Drone carrying explosives found at German airport near Ukrainian planes
What's the story
A drone carrying an explosive device was discovered at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport, Saxony police said. The device was found by an employee near Ukrainian cargo planes overnight. A robot was used to safely inspect the suspicious object and a controlled explosion was carried out after removing the detonator. Flights on the northern runway resumed shortly after, while the southern runway remains closed.
Strategic location
Strategic military and logistics hub
Leipzig/Halle Airport is a crucial military and logistics hub in eastern Germany. It is used by the German military and NATO allies for transporting military goods.
The airport also serves as a base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines, which handles most of the country's air cargo.
Additionally, it is an important center for DHL.
Rising concerns
Russia accused of being involved
A second unidentified object crashed with a cargo plane at the same airport. It arrived at Hannover with minimal damage.
Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned that these incidents indicate a "new level of threat." He hinted at a possible "competition" involving foreign powers but did not name any suspects.
Ukraine's Ambassador to Germany Oleksii Makeiev pointed fingers at Russia, saying, "Who else could it be but Russia?"
However, Moscow has denied any involvement in these incidents.
Security threats
Drone sightings and suspicious parcels
German airports have been on high alert after several unauthorized drone flights over military bases, energy terminals, and logistics companies in recent months.
Police have warned about a possible Russian role, which Moscow denies.
In July 2024, a parcel burst into flames at Leipzig/Halle Airport before loading onto a DHL cargo plane.
These parcels contained explosive devices triggered by electronic timers hidden in vibrating massage pillows.
Russia denied involvement in those incidents as well.