Key facts
- US intelligence agencies suspect Russia was behind a drone attack at Leipzig airport last week.
- The drone, found near a Ukrainian cargo plane, was laden with explosives.
- German officials have not publicly attributed the attack but described it as a professional hybrid threat.
- DNA traces found at the scene potentially link the incident to a previous firebomb attack.
- A related trial in Lithuania involves suspects allegedly employed by Russian intelligence.
- Drones were also detected over a German army installation housing US Patriot air-defence systems.
- Germany plans to increase its anti-drone capabilities.
US intelligence agencies believe Russia was responsible for a drone attack at Leipzig airport last week, which carried explosives and was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane. The incident has heightened security concerns in Germany, with officials describing it as a "professional hybrid threat scenario" potentially orchestrated by a well-equipped foreign actor.
Investigators are reportedly examining DNA traces found at the scene that may link the drone to a previous firebomb incident at the same airport in July. Separately, a trial in Lithuania involves five men accused by prosecutors of being employed by Russian intelligence for a series of mailed incendiary devices. The target of one such device was a cargo plane that narrowly avoided being set ablaze mid-flight.
While security analysts and some politicians have pointed to the Kremlin, German government officials have refrained from publicly naming Russia as the perpetrator. This cautious approach, according to political scientist Wolfgang Schröder, may stem from the potential diplomatic and security implications of accusing Moscow of a direct military attack on German soil, which could escalate tensions and draw Germany further into the conflict with Ukraine.
Adding to the heightened threat perception, drones were also detected over a German army installation housing US-made Patriot air-defence systems. In response, Germany's interior ministry plans to double its anti-drone unit to 300 experts and expand its operational bases. Moscow has denied any involvement in the Leipzig incident, labeling such suggestions as a "rashly contrived provocation."