German authorities have opened a sabotage investigation after an explosive drone was discovered on the tarmac at Leipzig/Halle Airport beside a Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft, leading to the airport's closure and the deployment of bomb disposal specialists. Shortly after, a departing DHL cargo aircraft was struck by an unidentified object at roughly 400 meters altitude, sustaining front-end damage and diverting to Hannover for an emergency landing. Authorities are investigating whether the object was a second drone.
The incidents at Leipzig/Halle Airport represent a serious security breach at a major European air hub. The discovery of an explosive drone on the tarmac adjacent to a Ukrainian military transport aircraft suggests a targeted sabotage operation. The subsequent strike on a DHL cargo plane, if confirmed as a second drone, would indicate a coordinated attack. German authorities have not yet disclosed suspect information or a motive. The investigation remains ongoing.
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