Third Explosive Drone Reportedly Found Near Leipzig Airport

Investigators are examining evidence suggesting a third drone, potentially carrying explosives, was discovered near Leipzig/Halle Airport. This finding, reported by Süddeutscher Zeitung, NDR, and WDR, indicates that more unmanned aerial vehicles may have been involved in a suspected attack plot than previously known.

The third drone was reportedly found on August 14 in Kabelsketal, a municipality adjacent to the airport's western side. Forensic technicians from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) detected residues of a substance believed to be approximately 50 grams of the powerful explosive hexogen. The explosive did not detonate.

This discovery follows two earlier incidents. On August 4, a drone armed with explosives was found near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane, which is used for transporting military supplies. The drone was apparently intended to land on the plane's kerosene-filled wings but failed to detonate. Roughly 20 minutes later, a second drone reportedly collided with a DHL cargo plane, forcing it to abort its landing due to the airport's closure. Pilots reported seeing a small object, about 30 centimeters in size, at an altitude of 300 to 400 meters, and radar data also suggested the presence of a small flying object. The second drone has not yet been recovered.

The BKA and the Federal Public Prosecutor General are now investigating the precise role these drones may have played in the alleged planned attack. The presence of a third explosive-laden drone raises concerns about the scale and sophistication of the plot.