US intel links explosive drone found at German airport to Russia's military intelligence
The drone's structure and explosives were "typical" of those used by Russia's GRU, U.S. intelligence officials told ABC News.
U.S. intelligence suggests an explosive drone discovered at Germany's Leipzig/Halle airport earlier this month was likely manufactured by Russia's military intelligence agency, GRU, according to ABC News. The drone's design and explosives bore resemblance to those used by GRU. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz did not comment on the drone's origin, but acknowledged German agencies were investigating the case.
The drone was found on August 5 near a Ukrainian cargo plane loaded with ammunition, posing a potential threat to the plane. The drone carried military-grade explosives but its triggering mechanism was disabled after discovery, preventing an explosion. The same day, a second unidentified flying object collided with a DHL cargo plane at the airport.
German media reported four Ukrainian cargo aircraft were present during the suspected attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. U.S. and European officials raised concerns over Russia's potential use of "hybrid warfare" against the West in response to its support of Ukraine. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned of the constant threat of espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks, or covert operations by foreign powers.
Traces of a third drone and explosives were found in a field west of Leipzig/Halle airport on August 25. The purpose of the third drone remains unclear. Since January 2026, 18 drone incidents have disrupted air traffic at Leipzig/Halle, according to ABC News.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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