Recent reports indicate Russia’s use of a shadow fleet to deploy drones across Europe, with a focus on monitoring military sites and testing NATO’s air defenses. The International Institute for Strategic Studies highlighted 144 drone sightings near critical locations in Germany, France, and the UK.
A significant incident occurred at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport, where a drone carrying explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft. This prompted authorities to label the event as a “new quality of danger.” As a precaution, both airport runways were temporarily closed, leading flights to be redirected.
Shortly after midnight, another flying object was detected, amplifying concerns. This situation required several flights, including a passenger plane, to divert to alternate airports. German police responded swiftly, initiating a broad investigation into these events.
An airport worker initially found the explosive-laden drone near the south runway. Authorities used an explosives-disposal robot to examine the device, which was safely neutralized after removing its detonator. The involved aircraft bore the Ukrainian flag colors and the message, “Be Brave Like Kherson,” as a homage to the Ukrainian region.
Following the initial runway closure, a cargo plane faced a near-collision with an unidentified flying object while attempting to land at Leipzig/Halle. The aircraft was redirected to Hannover Airport, where officials reported minor damage.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the discovery of the explosive drone as a significant escalation. He emphasized that such threats, especially in a hybrid context, are not entirely new. However, an armed drone at an airport represents an unprecedented threat scenario.
Dobrindt added that aspects such as the type of explosives, the drone’s origin, and those responsible are currently under investigation. This situation validates earlier assessments indicating a high threat level. In June, Germany established the Joint Centre for Countering Hybrid Threats to confront issues like espionage, sabotage, and disinformation.
The Leipzig/Halle Airport is a key European cargo hub, home to Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft. NATO acknowledged the incidents but deferred questions to German authorities.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, hinted at Russia’s involvement, stating, “Who else could it be but Russia?” This follows an earlier incident in 2024 where an incendiary device caused a fire at a logistics center, suspected to be a Russian reconnaissance operation.