(novaB - annotation: NDR and WDR are part of the public service broadcasting conglomerate ARD; the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" is a reknowed newspaper that works together with the ARD in investigative journalism, they are abbreviated as "SZ".)
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt speaks of a "new level of threat" and a "hybrid attack scenario": Overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, a drone with an attached explosive device was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Forensic investigations revealed that the device apparently contained military-grade high-explosive substances.
It remains unclear who is responsible for the suspected attack attempt. The drone was located near cargo planes belonging to a Ukrainian airline. Leipzig Airport also handles military transport operations for NATO.
WDR, NDR, and the SZ have obtained new details regarding the incident: According to a confidential police report, one of the Antonov cargo planes, near which the explosive-laden drone was found, was loaded with military ammunition that had apparently been transported from France to Leipzig shortly before and was likely intended for onward transport.
"Contact between drone and employee"
According to investigating authorities, airport staff spotted a drone last Tuesday evening at approximately 11:42 p.m. as it was "hovering" above the ground between two Antonov cargo aircraft belonging to the Ukrainian state-owned carrier Antonov Airlines.
The official report states that subsequently a "contact between the drone and an employee" occurred. The drone was later found lying on the ground. A drone defense system, apparently in place at Leipzig/Halle Airport, had failed to detect the flying object beforehand. On Wednesday evening, Federal Interior Minister Dobrindt stated that the perpetrators had likely modified the drone to be able to specifically bypass defense systems.
Surveillance camera footage analyzed
According to information from WDR, NDR, and SZ, investigators have now been able to analyze surveillance camera footage from the airport. A review of footage from the security control center (the airport's central monitoring and coordination hub) reportedly revealed that the drone had apparently entered the airport grounds from the south at 7:28 p.m. and subsequently landed on the apron.
The video footage reportedly shows no further takeoff by the drone. However, the drone was apparently hovering at a low altitude between parked Ukrainian cargo planes several hours later when it was spotted by an airport employee.
According to the Ministry of Defense, no Bundeswehr military transport operations were taking place at the airport at the time in question (novaB: "Bundeswehr" = the armed forces of Germany). Leipzig/Halle Airport is generally considered a key military hub and logistics point. Authorities report that Ukraine has also been using the airport as an alternative site for transporting military supplies since the war began in February 2022.
Aircraft collided with an object
Air traffic was temporarily suspended following the discovery of the suspicious drone. As a result, a DHL cargo plane arriving from Marseille, which was in the process of landing, was forced to abort its approach and perform a go around. According to internal official reports, the aircraft collided with an object at a speed of approximately 500 km/h while passing the airport perimeter fence.
The object involved may have been another drone. The DHL aircraft - which investigators believe was carrying hazardous materials - was able to continue its flight and was diverted to Hannover-Langenhagen Airport.
Experts identified damage to the front section of the aircraft. According to reports by WDR, NDR, and SZ, a "biological swab" was taken and returned a negative result, making a bird strike unlikely. The empennage of the aircraft reportedly sustained damage during the collision as well.
Flight data recorder to be analyzed
The crew members have since been questioned by the Saxony State Office of Criminal Investigation (LKA) and the aircraft is slated for further forensic examination. Among other things, the flight recorder is to be analyzed.
However, the investigation remains focused primarily on the drone rigged with explosives. The bomb squad of the Saxony LKA succeeded in removing the detonator to allow for further examination of the drone. A package of explosives, roughly the size of a fist, had reportedly been attached to the drone. Multiple tests on the substance indicated that it is likely Semtex - an explosive used in both military and industrial applications.
