World · Europe · 1 hr ago
BKA seeks third suspect in attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport
Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office is seeking a third person linked to the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport.
In early August, airport staff found an explosive-equipped drone on the airport’s southern runway, near Ukrainian cargo planes.
Investigators say a field track between Rabutz and Beuditz may have been the drone’s launch point, and they found other suspected equipment nearby.
The BKA has identified two other suspects but has not publicly named the third person.
AI-generated images show a slim person in dark, unusually warm clothing, riding a black electric bike and carrying a large backpack.
The BKA wants witnesses who saw the person near Rabutz and Beuditz from July 31 to August 4.
Germany’s government has blamed Russia for the attempted attack, while Moscow denies involvement, and the case has strained relations between the two countries.
Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office is seeking a third suspect in an attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport.
The BKA published AI-generated images showing a person in dark, unusually warm clothing on an e-bike.
Investigators say the person may have been near Rabutz and Beuditz between July 31 and August 4, 2026.
A drone carrying explosives was found near Antonov cargo aircraft at the airport in the early hours of August 4; it did not explode.
Germany’s government has blamed Russia for the incidents, while Russia has denied involvement.
- Who
- Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office is seeking an unidentified third suspect. The BKA says two other suspects have been identified.
- What
- The BKA released AI-generated images and appealed for witnesses in connection with an attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport.
- When
- The suspected activity is believed to have taken place between July 31 and August 4, 2026. The BKA’s public appeal was reported on November 6 and 7.
- Where
- Leipzig/Halle Airport and the area between Rabutz and Beuditz in Germany.
- Why
- Investigators believe the unidentified person may be connected to the attempted drone attack and may have been involved in scouting or launching the drone.
German government
Russia
Responsibility for the incident
German government
The German government has blamed Russia for the attempted attack.
Russia
Russia has denied involvement.
Investigators believe the unidentified person may have been seen near Rabutz and Beuditz during this period.
A drone carrying explosives and a detonator was found near Antonov cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport; it did not explode.
Germany’s government blamed Russia for the attempted attack, according to t-online.
The BKA’s public appeal for witnesses, including AI-generated images of a third suspect, was reported.
- Suspect sought
- Third unidentified person
- Search period
- July 31–August 4, 2026
- Airport
- Leipzig/Halle Airport
- Drone explosive
- Semtex, according to Heise
- Possible launch area
- Between Rabutz and Beuditz
- BKA appeal reported
- November 6–7, 2026
4 sources
What people are saying
Particularly striking could have been the person’s unusually warm clothing for midsummer.
The aircraft was in the immediate vicinity of Ukrainian Antonov cargo planes.