German investigators have identified a third drone and suspected explosives linked to the attempted attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport, expanding the probe into a suspected operation targeting a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft and a DHL freighter. The drone was found on 14 August in Kabelsketal, just west of the airport, while forensic checks later uncovered about 50 grams of suspected hexogen at the same site.
The new findings suggest the incident was more complex than first understood and have deepened concerns over drone-related threats to airport security and cargo operations in Europe. Federal prosecutors are leading the case, which began after an explosive-laden drone was discovered near an Antonov An-124 on 4 August. Investigators are also examining whether a second drone may have struck a DHL cargo plane during the disruption.
German media reports cited by Reuters indicate that investigators are still working to establish the motive and whether the devices were intended to detonate. The case has become part of a broader debate in Germany over hybrid threats, counter-drone defences and the protection of major logistics hubs that support both civilian and military aviation.