Explosive-Laden Drone Discovered Near Ukrainian An-124 at German Airport, Triggering Major Counterterrorism Investigation
German authorities have opened a national security and counterterrorism investigation after an explosive-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 Ruslan at Leipzig/Halle Airport, one of Europe’s busiest cargo hubs and a major operational base for Antonov Airlines.
According to officials, the suspicious drone was found within the airport’s secured perimeter in close proximity to the Ukrainian strategic transport aircraft. Bomb disposal specialists were immediately dispatched and used a remotely operated robot to safely remove and neutralize the drone’s detonator, preventing a potential explosion.
The discovery prompted the temporary suspension of airport operations, with several inbound and outbound flights delayed or diverted while security personnel conducted extensive searches of the airfield. Authorities lifted the restrictions and resumed normal operations the following morning after determining there was no immediate threat.
During the disruption, a DHL cargo aircraft that had aborted its landing reportedly collided with an unidentified flying object before landing safely. The aircraft sustained only minor damage, and investigators are examining whether the object was related to the security incident.
German police have classified the case as a counterterrorism and national security investigation. While no suspect or organization has been identified and no motive has been confirmed, investigators are exploring the possibility of deliberate sabotage. Officials have not publicly linked the incident to any state or non-state actor.
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan, one of the world’s largest strategic cargo aircraft, has played a crucial role in transporting humanitarian aid, oversized cargo, and military equipment in support of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Its presence at Leipzig/Halle Airport, a key logistics hub for European and international cargo operations, adds to the significance of the incident.
Security experts say that the discovery of an explosive device inside the protected perimeter of a major European cargo airport, near a high-value Ukrainian aircraft, represents a serious security breach. The incident also comes amid heightened concerns over suspected sabotage operations and repeated reports of suspicious drone activity targeting transportation and logistics infrastructure across Europe in recent years.
The investigation remains ongoing, with German authorities working to determine how the drone entered the restricted area, who was responsible, and whether the incident is connected to a broader campaign targeting infrastructure that supports Ukraine and NATO. No injuries were reported.