Drone carrying explosives found at German airport, police say

A drone carrying an explosive device was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, according to police. The robot was dispatched to the airport after an employee spotted the device near Ukrainian cargo planes overnight. A second unidentified object collided with a cargo aircraft near the same airport, causing minor damage.

The explosive-laden object had been spotted near parked Antonov planes, and its detonator was removed. Police conducted a controlled explosion to neutralize the threat. Leipzig/Halle Airport, located in eastern Germany, is a military and NATO ally transport hub and a major hub for DHL logistics. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that the incident represents a new level of threat.

He did not disclose any suspects but suggested the investigation might reveal a possible competition involving foreign powers. Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Oleksii Makeiev attributed the incident to Russia, while Peter R Neumann, a security studies professor, noted that the "drone war" has reached Germany, exposing weaknesses known for years.

A parcel fire at the airport in July 2024 has raised suspicions of Russian involvement. In 2023, a Chinese woman was convicted for passing flight schedule and cargo movement information to a man spying for Beijing.