German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stepped up warnings for those behind the drone attack found at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
On 4 August, a drone with an explosive device was located near Ukrainian cargo planes. The bomb detonator failed, allowing police to defuse the package. Investigators suspect a second drone collided with a cargo aircraft. Authorities consider Russian involvement, though Moscow denied any role.
Leipzig/Halle Airport serves the German military, NATO allies and hosts major cargo operations for Ukraine and DHL. The incident underscores growing threats to vital transport hubs.
In a statement reported from Leipzig, Merz said Germany faces "a very real threat" and that "attackers are increasingly ruthless." He promised to’ll strengthen security, including drone defence, and empower services to counter foreign threats by hacking adversary servers.
Second‑hand reports identified a third drone nearby, with traces of military explosives discovered nearby. The government will release further details shortly.
Merz reasserted Germany’s steadfast support for Ukraine, calling for peace talks rather than prolonging conflict. He highlighted new measures to protect the country from illicit drone flights over military bases, airports, energy sites, seaports and logistics firms.
By Bethany Bell reported from Leipzig
