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Germany expands anti-drone police unit to 300 after explosive-laden UAV found at Leipzig airport
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Germany announced it will double its federal police anti-drone unit to 300 personnel and expand operational bases from four to eight, following an incident at Leipzig-Halle airport where an explosives-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt called it a 'hybrid attack scenario' potentially involving a foreign power. The drone reportedly bounced off the plane's wing but failed to detonate. Investigators found DNA traces on the drone previously registered in Lithuania. The airport is a key hub for German and NATO military transport and hosts Ukraine's Antonov Airlines. Germany suspects Russia of orchestrating such incidents as part of a sabotage campaign, though Russia denies involvement. A new drone technology research center will also be opened.
Source report
The German government announced Monday that it will strengthen its anti-drone police unit, days after an explosives-laden unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was flown into a strategically important airport.
Incident at Leipzig-Halle Airport
Berlin was shocked by last week's incident at Leipzig-Halle airport, a key military equipment transport hub, where the UAV was defused after being found near a Ukrainian cargo plane.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as a "hybrid attack scenario" potentially involving a "foreign power." He now plans to double personnel in the federal police anti-drone unit to 300.
Expansion of Operational Bases
A ministry spokeswoman confirmed at a press conference that the number of operational bases for the unit will increase from four to eight.
She also stated that Dobrindt will formally open a new drone technology research centre next week, attached to the German Aerospace Center.
Details of the Leipzig Drone
According to news weekly Die Zeit, the drone at Leipzig airport bounced off one wing of the Antonov plane hours before it was discovered by an airport employee around midnight. The reason the explosives failed to detonate remains unclear, according to the unconfirmed report, which cited security camera footage.
Strategic Importance of Leipzig Airport
The airport in eastern Germany plays a key role in the transport of military goods by the German armed forces and NATO allies. It also serves as a base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines.
Broader Context of UAV Incidents
Germany and other European countries have repeatedly observed UAVs flying over sensitive sites such as airports, military bases, and industrial plants.
Authorities in Germany—one of Ukraine's biggest military supporters—have said they suspect Russia of orchestrating many of the incidents as part of a campaign of sabotage, espionage, and disinformation.
Russian Response
Russia has denied being behind any such incidents. Russia's embassy last week dismissed the Leipzig incident as a "hastily contrived provocation" that "serves only the interests of Kyiv and the militarist wing of the European political establishment."
DNA Evidence
Also on Monday, Die Zeit and the Bild daily reported that investigators had found traces of DNA on the drone discovered at Leipzig airport. Die Zeit reported that the DNA in question had previously been registered in Lithuania but gave no further details.
Source
EuractivWestern
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Explosive Drone Found at Leipzig Airport Sparks Hybrid Attack Fears