Third Drone Found at Leipzig Airport: Attack Explained

German investigators have discovered a third explosive drone near Leipzig/Halle Airport, deepening concerns over a suspected Leipzig airport drone attack targeting a critical NATO and Ukrainian military logistics hub. The third drone was found on 14 August 2026 in Kabelsketal, west of the airport, alongside roughly 50 grams of the military explosive hexogen. The discovery follows a 4 August incident in which a drone loaded with explosives was found near a parked Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo plane, and a second drone that may have struck a DHL cargo aircraft.

What Happened at Leipzig/Halle Airport?

On 4 August 2026, an airport worker found a purpose-built drone carrying Semtex sealed in a food tin near a Ukrainian Antonov An-124. The aircraft, operated by Antonov Airlines, had been used to transport military equipment. The detonator apparently failed, preventing a catastrophic explosion on the kerosene-filled wings. Later the same day, a second drone is suspected of colliding with a DHL cargo plane about six kilometres from the airport at roughly 400 metres altitude. The DHL aircraft diverted to Hanover Airport, where tail damage was found, ruling out a bird strike.

Ten days later, on 14 August, investigators located a third drone in a field in Kabelsketal, west of the airport. The following day, around 50 grams of hexogen—a highly explosive military substance—were found at the same site. Additional drone components, including a motor and rotor, were recovered on 11 August. The scale of the materials suggests the perpetrators may have planned a far larger attack, investigators told German media.

The incident echoes the 2024 DHL parcel bomb plot at the same airport, when incendiary devices hidden in parcels ignited at the logistics centre.

Forensic Evidence and Suspected Russian Involvement

DNA traces found on the first drone have become a central lead. According to Bild and Die Zeit, the DNA matches evidence from the July 20, 2024 incendiary attack on Leipzig's DHL logistics centre. The profile is registered in Lithuania, where five men are on trial over the 2024 parcel campaign. Lithuanian prosecutors allege that operation was coordinated by individuals linked to Russia's GRU military intelligence service; all five defendants deny the charges.

German media link the findings to Russian GRU hybrid warfare and covert sabotage campaigns across Europe. Security sources cited by NDR, WDR and Süddeutsche Zeitung suspect Russian intelligence involvement, but Berlin has so far made no direct accusations. Moscow denies any role. Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) is investigating on behalf of Federal Prosecutor General Jens Rommel, who has declined to comment on the third drone.

Germany's Response and the Wider Security Threat

Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government will soon announce who was responsible for the attempted attack, adding that attackers will pay for this. Speaking before a cabinet retreat in Neuhardenberg, Merz warned that Germany faces very real threats from hybrid attackers.

"Germany is increasingly the target of hybrid attacks," Merz said. "Attackers are becoming increasingly ruthless, accepting material damage but also deaths and injuries."

Leipzig/Halle Airport is a critical NATO and EU military logistics hub, handling more than 1.38 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2024 as Europe's fourth-busiest cargo airport. The airport serves as DHL Aviation's main European hub and hosts military installations for NATO and EU aircraft. In response to the drone threat, authorities have reportedly deployed counter-drone radar and Germany is doubling its federal police counter-drone force.

FAQ: Leipzig Airport Drone Attack

What happened at Leipzig/Halle Airport?

On 4 August 2026, an explosive-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane. A second drone likely struck a DHL aircraft, and a third drone plus hexogen explosives were found west of the airport on 14 August.

Who is suspected of carrying out the attack?

German security sources suspect Russian intelligence services, citing DNA matches to the 2024 GRU-linked parcel bomb plot in Lithuania. Berlin has not yet made formal accusations, and Moscow denies involvement.

Was anyone injured?

No injuries were reported. The first drone's detonator failed, and the DHL aircraft landed safely after suspected drone damage.

Why is Leipzig/Halle Airport a target?

The airport is a major cargo hub for NATO and Ukrainian military logistics, handling millions of tonnes of freight annually and serving as DHL Aviation's European hub.

What is hexogen?

Hexogen, also known as RDX, is a powerful military explosive often used in ammunition and improvised explosive devices.