Germany searches for second object after drone found at Leipzig airport

Authorities at Leipzig/Halle Airport are continuing the search for a second unidentified flying object after a drone carrying an explosive device was discovered on the runway. The drone was found near a Ukrainian Antonov AN-124 Condor transport plane, and its explosive payload was successfully defused by Bundespolizei specialists overnight.

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new quality of danger

Investigators believe a second, unknown object may have collided with a cargo plane after the aircraft had to perform a go-around due to the runway closure caused by the initial discovery. Minor damage was later found on the plane after it landed in Hanover. Saxony's Interior Minister Armin Schuster confirmed that debris from a potential second drone is being sought, though the connection between the incidents remains unclear.

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hybrid attack scenario

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt characterized the event as a "new quality of danger" and a "hybrid attack scenario," suggesting that "foreign powers" could be behind the incident. The Green Party faction in the Bundestag has called for an urgent meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the situation and its implications. Party leader Katharina Dröge stated that the council, which includes government members and security officials, must convene immediately to address the "considerable and serious hybrid attack."

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considerable and serious hybrid attack.

Dröge emphasized that many questions remain unanswered, even after official briefings. She indicated that strong evidence suggests a state actor is responsible, which would constitute "state terrorism" requiring a "clear and consistent response from the Federal Republic of Germany." The Greens also suggested that consultations within NATO might be appropriate given the severity of the incidents and have requested timely information from the Bundestag's interior and defense committees.

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state terrorism