German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that those responsible for drone attacks and other hostile acts against Germany will “pay a price”, as investigators examine a suspected explosive-laden drone discovered near Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Merz said the incident demonstrated that Germany was facing a “very real threat” and was increasingly becoming a target of hostile activity. The warning comes after a drone carrying an explosive device was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany on 4 August. The device failed to detonate, apparently because of a faulty detonator. Police subsequently defused the explosives.
Investigators also believe a second drone may have collided with a cargo aircraft nearby.
Explosive Drone Found Near Leipzig Airport
Leipzig/Halle Airport is a strategically important transport hub. It is used by the German military and NATO allies to transport military equipment and serves as a base for Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines, which carries much of the country’s air cargo. The airport is also a major logistics hub for DHL.
German investigators have reportedly since found a third drone near the airport. Public broadcasters NDR and WDR, together with the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, also reported that investigators had discovered traces of the military explosive hexogen in the area.
Security experts have raised the possibility that Russia could have been behind the suspected operation. However, the German government has not directly accused Moscow of responsibility, while Russia has denied involvement.
“We have problems, some of which stem from outside the country, and which we must not ignore,” Merz said.
He warned that attackers were becoming increasingly willing to accept severe property damage, injuries and even deaths. Speaking on the sidelines of a government coalition retreat in Neuhardenberg, Merz said German authorities were working closely with security agencies on the investigation and would provide further details.
Germany Plans Stronger Response to Drone Threats
Merz said Germany was taking steps to improve its ability to defend against similar attacks. The measures include strengthening the country’s drone-defence capabilities and giving security agencies greater powers to respond to hostile actors. Those powers could include offensive cyber operations against attackers’ computer servers, both inside and outside Germany.
The planned measures come amid a series of unauthorised drone flights over sensitive locations across the country. Military bases, airports, energy terminals, seaports and logistics facilities have all reportedly been targeted by suspicious drone activity in recent months.
German police have warned that some of the incidents could have been organised by Russian agents, although responsibility for individual incidents has not been established publicly.
Merz Reaffirms Support for Ukraine
The German chancellor also used his comments to reaffirm Berlin’s support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Merz said Germany would “stay the course” in supporting Kyiv.
“The government is continuing its support for Ukraine with steadfast resolve,” he said.
“Today, we are its strongest supporter – not to prolong the war, but to force peace talks.”
His comments come as Germany faces the difficult task of supporting Ukraine while also responding to what officials describe as a growing threat from hostile activity on German territory.
The suspected drone incident at Leipzig/Halle has added to concerns that the war in Ukraine could increasingly have consequences beyond the battlefield.
Merz said Germany would continue strengthening its defences and ensuring that those responsible for attacks against the country face consequences.
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