Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Germany to announce suspected drone attack culprit at Leipzig/Halle airport
Germany says it will soon explain who it believes was behind an attempted drone attack.
The incident happened at Leipzig/Halle airport on August 4.
A drone carrying suspected explosives was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane.
Investigators think another drone may have hit a DHL cargo plane.
The airport was temporarily shut down.
Ten days later, investigators reportedly found a third drone and a substance suspected to be a military explosive.
Some German security sources suspect Russian intelligence was involved.
Russia has denied taking part.
German officials have not yet publicly accused anyone.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany will soon announce who was responsible for an attempted drone attack.
An explosives-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle airport on August 4.
Investigators suspect a second drone collided with a DHL cargo plane after the airport temporarily closed.
A third drone and suspected military explosive hexogen were reportedly found west of the airport 10 days later.
Security sources cited by German media suspect Russian intelligence involvement, while Moscow denies involvement and Berlin has made no direct accusation.
- Who
- The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is investigating; German media cited security sources who suspect Russian intelligence, while Moscow denies involvement.
- What
- An attempted drone attack involving suspected explosives near Leipzig/Halle airport and cargo aircraft.
- When
- The main incident occurred on August 4; a third drone and suspected explosive were reportedly found 10 days later. Merz spoke on August 25.
- Where
- Leipzig/Halle airport in Germany, including an area west of the airport.
- Why
- The apparent target or purpose has not been definitively established in the report; the airport handles NATO and Ukrainian military logistics.
German investigators and security sources
Moscow and Berlin’s cautious position
Possible responsibility
German investigators and security sources
Security sources cited by NDR, WDR and Süddeutsche Zeitung suspect Russian intelligence involvement in the attempted attack.
Moscow and Berlin’s cautious position
Moscow denies involvement, while Berlin has not made a direct accusation and says it is still working with security authorities.
Evidence and findings
German investigators and security sources
Investigators reportedly found multiple drones, including one carrying suspected explosives and another suspected of colliding with a DHL cargo plane.
Moscow and Berlin’s cautious position
The prosecutor general’s office declined to comment on the reported findings, leaving the evidence and attribution publicly unresolved.
- Main incident
- An explosives-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft on August 4.
- Airport impact
- The airport was temporarily shut down, and investigators suspect a second drone collided with a DHL cargo plane.
- Further discovery
- A third drone was reportedly found 10 days later west of the airport.
- Suspected substance
- Investigators reportedly found about 50 grams of a substance suspected to be the military explosive hexogen.
- Government position
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany would soon identify and discuss responsibility.
- Russian response
- Moscow denied involvement.
- Airport role
- Leipzig/Halle is described as a cargo and military logistics hub used by NATO and Antonov Airlines for military supplies.