German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a stern warning that those responsible for drone attacks and other hostile acts against Germany, including a recent incident at Leipzig Airport, will “pay a price.”
Merz stated that the incident underscored how Germany is “facing a very real threat” and is increasingly becoming a target of hostile actions.
On 4 August, a drone carrying an explosive device was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany, near Ukrainian cargo planes. The device failed to detonate, reportedly due to a faulty detonator.
Police successfully defused the explosives and suspect that a second drone may have collided with a cargo aircraft in the vicinity. Security experts have suggested that Russia may have been behind the attack.
The German government has not made any direct accusations, while Moscow has denied any involvement.
Leipzig/Halle Airport serves as a key hub for the German military and NATO allies for the transport of military goods. It also operates as a base for Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines, which handles the majority of the country’s aerial cargo, and functions as a major logistics center for DHL.
“We have problems, some of which stem from outside the country, and which we must not ignore,” Merz remarked.
“Attackers are increasingly ruthless, accepting even severe property damage, and even injuries and fatalities.”
According to German media reports, investigators have since discovered a third drone near Leipzig airport.
Public broadcasters NDR, WDR, and the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper also reported that traces of the military explosive hexogen were found in the area.
Speaking on the sidelines of a government coalition retreat at Neuhardenberg, Merz confirmed that the government is collaborating closely with security authorities on the case and will release further details in the coming days.