Drone with explosives reportedly flew directly at Ukrainian plane in Leipzig

A drone laden with explosives reportedly targeted a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane at Leipzig Airport, according to a report by the German weekly newspaper "Die Zeit." Surveillance footage captured the drone flying directly at the aircraft and striking one of its wings.

The impact caused the drone to bounce off the wing and fall to the ground. The Antonov's wing showed traces consistent with this sequence of events. It remains unclear why the explosive device, identified as Semtex, did not detonate. Reports suggest the device may have detached upon impact and was found some distance away from the drone.

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hybrid attack scenario

The origin of the drone is currently unknown, with suspicion falling primarily on Russia, as Leipzig Airport serves as a hub for military goods destined for Ukraine. German federal prosecutors have taken over the investigation due to the case's significance. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as a "hybrid attack scenario" and did not rule out foreign powers as perpetrators.

In response to the incident, Germany plans to double its anti-drone units within the Federal Police. The drone was discovered about four hours after the incident, which occurred on a Tuesday evening. A bus driver reportedly noticed the drone on the ground and alerted security personnel, correcting earlier accounts that suggested the driver had knocked it out of the air.

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The investigations are ongoing.