Germany Bolsters Security After Semtex-Laden Drone Found Near NATO Cargo Planes at Leipzig Airport

Published Aug 6, 11:19 AM UTC

German authorities are implementing additional security measures at Leipzig/Halle Airport after an explosive-laden drone was discovered near Ukrainian cargo aircraft supporting NATO airlift operations. The drone, found on Wednesday near four Antonov freighters operating under NATO's Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS), contained the plastic explosive Semtex. One of the nearby cargo planes was reportedly carrying military ammunition from France. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt cut short his holiday, calling it a 'very serious security-related event' and part of a broader 'hybrid threat.' German officials told Euractiv that a state actor is highly likely involved, given the target and the sophistication of the methods. The drone's detonator apparently failed, and it was discovered by a bus driver. Leipzig is a key logistics hub for military supplies to Ukraine and has been previously targeted in suspected sabotage operations.