German Chancellor warns perpetrators of Leipzig drone incident will face consequences
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the failed drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport shows a tangible security threat to Germany and pledged stronger defensive measures.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that those behind recent drone attacks, including the incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport, would be held accountable. He described the event as evidence that Germany is "facing a very real threat" and noted that the country is increasingly becoming a target.
On 4 August, authorities discovered a drone equipped with an explosive device at the airport, which serves both military and civilian cargo operations, including flights for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines and logistics firm DHL. The device failed to detonate due to a faulty detonator, and police safely defused it. Investigators later identified a second drone that may have collided with a cargo aircraft and have now found a third drone near the site. Traces of the military explosive hexogen were also reported by German media.
Security experts have speculated that Russia could be behind the attacks, though investigations are ongoing. Merz said the government is cooperating closely with security services and will provide further details as they become available. He also reaffirmed Germany's continued support for Ukraine, stating the country remains a strong ally and aims to encourage peace talks.
The chancellor outlined plans to enhance Germany's protection against similar threats, including bolstering drone defence systems and granting security agencies broader authority to counter attackers, potentially through cyber measures such as hacking hostile computer servers.