Key facts
- A drone carrying explosives was found at Leipzig airport in Germany.
- The incident forced a runway lockdown and is being investigated for potential foreign involvement.
- A similar Russian-linked plot in 2024 involved transporting explosives and drone components across Europe.
- Explosives found in the 2024 plot may match those on the Leipzig drone.
- Experts suggest the aim of such an attack would be to sow fear and signal capability.
German authorities are investigating a drone loaded with explosives that was discovered at Leipzig airport, prompting warnings of a "new level of danger" and potential involvement of foreign powers. While no direct link to Russia has been proven, the incident has renewed discussions about hybrid warfare tactics.
The quadcopter was found late Tuesday night on the tarmac near Ukrainian Antonov cargo planes, leading to a runway lockdown. Airport staff reportedly spotted the drone "floating" between the aircraft. Simultaneously, a DHL cargo plane experienced a collision with an "unidentified object" as it attempted to land, and investigators are examining if this was a second drone.
Investigators are looking into a previous Russian-backed plot from 2024, where sophisticated incendiary devices and significant quantities of RDX explosives were discovered in Germany, the UK, and Poland. Men are currently on trial in Lithuania and Poland, accused of being part of a network recruited by Russian military intelligence. Case documents suggest these individuals transported explosives concealed in food cans and hid detonators in headphone sets. Drone parts were also allegedly handled, with some items reportedly brought into the EU from Russia's Kaliningrad exclave.
One suspect, Vladyslav D., described to investigators how he transported drone components and other items across Europe following instructions from an individual known as "Warrior." He was paid over $2,000 in cryptocurrency for his involvement. While he has pleaded not guilty, the details of his testimony highlight the methods used in the alleged plot.
Experts suggest that if Russia was behind the Leipzig incident, the primary aim would be to sow fear and send a message about its capabilities. Andrei Soldatov, an expert on Russian intelligence, noted that such actions align with a pattern of sabotage and hostile activity, potentially aimed at undermining support for Ukraine by highlighting escalation risks. John Lough of the New Eurasian Strategies Centre believes such hybrid attacks are likely to increase as the conflict in Ukraine evolves.
NATO has confirmed awareness of the incident and is monitoring the investigation. Antonov Airlines, which supplies planes for NATO operations, has not commented on whether the Ukrainian planes were specifically targeted. Ukrainian officials stated they are not making assumptions about the drone's purpose.