Explosive Drone Found at Leipzig/Halle Airport Triggers Hybrid Attack Investigation

German police discovered a drone carrying an unknown explosive device near the south runway of Leipzig/Halle Airport on Tuesday night, prompting the temporary closure of both runways at the major freight hub. The device was located by an airport worker and examined by an explosives disposal robot before its detonator was removed. The incident forced several flights, including a passenger plane, to be diverted, and a cargo aircraft that aborted its landing later collided with an unidentified flying object before being redirected to Hannover Airport, where minor damage was reported.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the finding represented a significant escalation, describing it as a "new threat scenario" and a "hybrid attack scenario" that required investigation into the type of explosives, the drone's origin and the responsible party. He noted that previous drone threats had been observed, but an armed drone at an airport was unprecedented.

A Ukrainian Antonov transport plane parked at the airport displayed a slogan honoring the Kherson region of Ukraine. Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, suggested Russia could be behind the incident, though German officials said the investigation was ongoing and no attribution had been confirmed. NATO said it was aware of the events and deferred to German authorities for further details.