Last updated: August 27, 2026 · Published: August 26, 2026
German investigators have found a third drone and suspected explosives near Leipzig/Halle Airport, deepening a security scare at one of Europe’s biggest cargo hubs. Chancellor Friedrich Merz says the government will “shortly” say who it believes was behind the August 4 drone attack — and that the attackers “will pay for it.”
What happened
The third device was reported Tuesday, August 25, 2026, roughly three weeks after the original incident, in which an explosives-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane used to move military supplies. In that first case, an airport worker spotted the quadcopter shortly before midnight, police sent in a bomb disposal robot to remove its detonator, and both runways were shut, diverting numerous flights, according to DW News.
Around the same time, a DHL cargo plane reported colliding with an unidentified object as it climbed away from Leipzig, the BBC reported. Investigators are still working out whether that was a second drone — which would make the new discovery the third.
Merz: “They will pay for it”
Speaking Tuesday before a Cabinet retreat in Brandenburg, Merz said Germany is increasingly becoming a target for hybrid attacks. “Attackers are increasingly prepared to accept serious property damage, and even injuries and deaths, without scruple,” he said, adding that the government is strengthening its response, including through a new drone defense center in Magdeburg.
Berlin is also weighing whether to close the Russian House in Berlin, a cultural venue long viewed with suspicion by German security agencies, as officials examine possible Russian involvement.
The Russia question
Security sources have reportedly pointed to Russian intelligence, though there is no proof so far, and Moscow denies any role. Russia’s foreign intelligence service has hit back, saying Germany and Europe “rushed to blame Moscow.” Analysts quoted by the BBC note that Germany is one of Ukraine’s biggest military backers — and that a 2024 sabotage plot tied to Russian proxies already used Leipzig’s DHL hub to ship incendiary devices.
The interior minister has warned of a “new level of danger” from an attack that may involve foreign powers, while NATO said it is aware of the incident and is following the German investigation.
Timeline
| August 4, 2026 | Explosives-laden drone found near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane; runways shut; a DHL plane separately reports a collision with an unidentified object. |
| August 25, 2026 | A third drone and suspected explosives reported; Merz vows action and promises to name those responsible. |
| Ongoing | State prosecutors and counterterrorism officers lead the probe; Germany weighs closing the Russian House. |
Watch: What the videos show
Explosive drone found near Ukrainian cargo plane at German airport | DW News
The first device was found by an airport worker shortly before midnight, and a bomb disposal robot removed the detonator on the tarmac, as shown in the DW News report. State prosecutors and counterterrorism officers took over the investigation after both runways were closed and flights diverted.
Germany targets Moscow over the Leipzig drone plot
Investigators have now uncovered a third drone linked to the plot, after the first explosives-equipped drone was found near a Ukrainian military cargo plane. Another drone is suspected of hitting a DHL aircraft, and Berlin is considering closing the Russian House as part of its response.
What is confirmed vs speculation
| Confirmed | Not confirmed |
| An explosives-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane on August 4 | Russian involvement — security sources point to Moscow, but there is no proof and Russia denies it |
| A third drone and suspected explosives were reported on August 25 | That the object a DHL plane reported hitting was a drone |
| Merz vowed action and said the government will name those responsible | Who is actually behind the attacks |
| A new drone defense center is being established in Magdeburg | Whether the Russian House in Berlin will be closed |
Frequently asked questions
What happened at Leipzig/Halle Airport?
An explosives-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane on August 4, 2026, shutting both runways. A DHL plane separately reported colliding with an unidentified object, and a third drone with suspected explosives was reported on August 25.
How many drones have been found?
Officials confirmed one explosives-laden drone on August 4. A second drone is suspected after the DHL collision report, and a third drone with suspected explosives was reported on August 25.
Who is suspected?
Security sources have reportedly pointed to Russian intelligence, but there is no proof so far and Moscow denies any role. The interior minister has warned of a “new level of danger” from an attack that may involve foreign powers.
Is the airport safe?
Both runways were reopened after the initial incident, and the airport continues to operate. The latest discovery shows the investigation remains active.
What is Germany doing in response?
Germany is establishing a drone defense center in Magdeburg, weighing the closure of the Russian House in Berlin, and the government says it will shortly name who it believes was responsible.
What happened to the Ukrainian cargo plane?
The Antonov aircraft used to move military supplies was the target of the August 4 drone. There were no reports of casualties, and the plane was not struck.
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Sources: DW News, BBC, Times Now
