In Germany, a drone carrying explosives was called a possible hybrid attack

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has described the discovery of a drone with an explosive device at Leipzig/Halle Airport as a possible hybrid attack scenario. According to him, the incident represents a new level of threat to the country's critical infrastructure.

The drone was discovered by an airport employee near the southern runway on the night of August 5. Specialists examined the attached unknown explosive device and removed the detonator.

Due to the incident, both runways at the airport were temporarily closed. Several airplanes were redirected to other airfields. After inspection, the northern runway was reopened, and operations gradually resumed.

Law enforcement agencies are also investigating a report of a second unknown aircraft. It is suspected that it may have collided with a cargo plane that aborted its landing due to the runway closure. The aircraft sustained minor damage and landed in Hanover.

The investigation is being conducted by the Dresden General Prosecutor's Office and the police counter-terrorism and extremism unit. Investigators do not rule out a political motive, but the perpetrators and the origin of the drone have not yet been identified.

Dobrindt stated that the device's construction may indicate professional preparation. However, German authorities are not yet linking the incident to a specific state or organization.

Leipzig/Halle Airport is one of Europe's largest cargo aviation hubs. In the first half of 2026, 18 incidents of unauthorized drones were recorded near it, though no explosive-laden drones were previously involved.

Based on materials from: Tagesschau