German Chancellor says drone incidents near Leipzig airport highlight security concerns

Two explosive drones have been found near Leipzig airport, a key NATO logistics hub, raising concerns about hybrid attacks in Germany. The first device was discovered on August 5 by an airport employee after its detonator failed to explode, and a second drone was located on August 14, according to German media reports.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the incidents demonstrate that Germany faces “very real threats” and that the country is under increased scrutiny from hybrid attackers. He added that authorities are working closely with security agencies and will release findings soon.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt suggested the possibility of a state actor behind the threats, citing “many indications” in early August. The government is considering reforms to give intelligence services broader powers to counter threats, including potential sabotage and cyber operations, following a 2023 intelligence assessment that security conditions have deteriorated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

"We are working intensively on that together with the security agencies, and we will present our findings and comment on them shortly," Merz said ahead of a cabinet retreat.

The investigations remain ongoing, and officials have not publicly identified the perpetrators.