New Traces Found in Germany in Drone Case Involving Ukrainian An-124
German investigators have discovered multiple DNA traces and a suspicious antenna while probing an alleged attempted sabotage involving a drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The obtained evidence could help identify those involved in launching the drone with explosives.
According to a joint investigation by WDR, NDR and Süddeutsche Zeitung, a small antenna was found on a tree near the airport. German authorities believe it may have been installed by the attack orchestrators. Experts suggest the device was used as a signal booster for drone control.
The German Federal Criminal Police Office determined that the drone was significantly modified. It carried an additional battery for extended flight, a camera, a 5G router, and two SIM cards, with position lights missing. Investigators believe the drone may have been controlled via mobile network from a great distance. Technically, such a scheme allowed commands to be sent to the drone virtually from anywhere in the world.
New data has also emerged from forensic examination. DNA material was found on the explosive container, and other traces of varying quality directly on the drone and near the incident scene. One of the samples matched DNA discovered in another investigation. Another clue, according to German media reports, could lead to Lithuania. Investigators, however, do not confirm a link between the found DNA and the previous case involving DHL parcel sabotage.
The incident occurred on the evening of August 4. According to surveillance camera footage, the drone hit the wing of one of the parked Ukrainian cargo aircraft An-124. On impact, the improvised charge attached to the drone separated from the device and did not detonate. Investigators found a container with approximately 600 grams of Semtex explosive nearby. Preliminary findings indicate the detonation failed due to a defective fuze.
Kurs earlier reported that U.S. intelligence considers Russia likely involved in this incident. Meanwhile, German law enforcement has not yet officially identified the perpetrators of the alleged sabotage.
German investigators are also exploring possible parallels with a series of earlier sabotage acts in the European air transport system. In those cases, investigators linked the actions of a recruited execution network to Russian military intelligence. However, the newly found DNA traces themselves do not yet prove such a connection in the Leipzig incident inquiry.
Based on materials from: Tagesschau
