Explosive Drone Found Near Ukrainian Cargo Aircraft at German Airport

Explosive Drone Discovery

German police disarmed a drone carrying explosives after it was discovered near Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig airport. The drone was spotted by an airport employee hovering close to the ground between two parked An-124 cargo aircraft owned by Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines shortly before midnight on August 4. The drone had been modified to avoid detection by airport defense sensors.

Explosive Device and Disarming

The drone carried a fist-sized package believed to be the plastic explosive Semtex. A failed detonator prevented the drone from exploding near the Ukrainian cargo aircraft. German police used a bomb disposal robot to disarm the drone and later conducted a controlled explosion. The German Interior Ministry denied that the targeted aircraft were carrying weapons, stating they were empty at the time.

Airport Disruption and Second Drone Incident

The incident forced Leipzig/Halle airport, a major air cargo hub, to close to all air traffic for several hours, diverting 19 flights. A Boeing 757 operated by DHL aborted its landing approach and subsequently collided with another flying object midair. The DHL aircraft diverted to Hanover airport with minor damage, and German authorities are investigating the possibility that the object was a second drone.

Investigation and Motive

German officials have not named a suspect but have opened a counterterrorism investigation. Alexander Dobrindt, federal minister of the interior for Germany, described the incident as a “hybrid threat scenario” and acknowledged the possibility of foreign powers being involved.