Germany's interior minister has described the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport as a "new level of danger," warning that investigators are treating the case as a possible hybrid attack involving professional planning and potentially foreign actors. The incident triggered a major security response after a modified drone carrying explosives was found near a Ukrainian Antonov Airlines An-124 cargo aircraft at one of Germany's most important cargo and military logistics hubs. German authorities have opened a counterterrorism investigation into the case.
The drone, equipped with an explosive device and detonator, was discovered in the airport's cargo operations area, prompting the suspension of flight operations overnight. Bomb disposal specialists used a robot to safely neutralize the device. Investigators are also examining a second unidentified object that reportedly struck a DHL cargo aircraft after the plane aborted its landing and climbed away from the airport. The aircraft later landed safely in Hanover with minor damage.
Speaking at Leipzig/Halle Airport after cutting short his summer vacation, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the circumstances pointed to a highly sophisticated operation rather than an isolated act. "We are dealing here with a professional hybrid threat scenario," he said. Dobrindt added that the threat facing Germany is no longer theoretical, noting that investigators are examining whether foreign powers may have been involved. "We are dealing with a competition that may also include foreign powers. This will be part of the investigations," he said.
