German authorities investigating an attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport have reportedly discovered a third drone and a substance suspected to be a military explosive, adding a new layer to a case that has already raised concerns over security at one of Germany’s key logistics hubs.
Broadcasters NDR and WDR, together with the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, reported on Tuesday that the additional drone was found on August 14, 10 days after the original incident.
The discovery was made west of the airport, according to the reports.
Suspected hexogen found during the investigation
Investigators reportedly also recovered around 50 grams of a substance they believe could be hexogen, a powerful military explosive.
The material was discovered in the same general area where the third drone was found, according to the media reports.
Hexogen, also known as RDX, is a high explosive used in military applications.
The reported discovery is therefore likely to be a significant focus of the continuing investigation.
Germany’s office of the prosecutor-general had not immediately responded to a Reuters request for comment on the reports.
Original incident involved an explosives-laden drone
The latest findings follow an incident on August 4, when authorities discovered a drone carrying suspected explosives near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft at the airport.
The aircraft is used to transport military supplies, making the location particularly sensitive amid heightened security concerns across Europe.
Investigators are also examining whether another drone may have collided with a DHL cargo aircraft shortly after the airport was temporarily shut down.
The circumstances surrounding the suspected collision remain part of the wider investigation.
Airport plays a strategic military logistics role
Leipzig/Halle Airport is more than a major commercial cargo facility.
It also serves as an important logistics location for military-related transportation.
The airport is used by NATO and Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines for military supplies, giving it added strategic significance.
The reported drone discoveries therefore come at a time when European authorities are paying increasing attention to potential threats involving unmanned aircraft and critical infrastructure.
Russian involvement suspected but denied
Security sources cited by the German media reports have raised suspicions of possible Russian intelligence involvement in the attempted attack.
However, that allegation has not been established publicly as fact.
Moscow has denied involvement, leaving investigators with the task of determining who was responsible for the drones and what their intended purpose was.
The discovery of another drone and suspected explosive material could provide investigators with additional evidence, but the available reports do not establish who deployed the equipment or whether the devices were part of a coordinated operation.
Investigation could now widen
Finding the third drone 10 days after the initial incident suggests investigators are continuing to search areas around the airport for evidence that may have been missed during the immediate response.
The suspected explosive material could also become an important part of forensic examinations as authorities attempt to determine its composition, origin and connection to the drones.
Investigators are expected to examine whether the devices were operating independently or formed part of a broader plan targeting aircraft or airport infrastructure.
Security concerns grow around critical infrastructure
The case highlights the security challenges facing airports and other strategically important facilities as drones become increasingly accessible and capable of carrying potentially dangerous payloads.
For Leipzig/Halle, the issue is particularly sensitive because of its role in cargo transportation and military logistics.
Any confirmed attempt to target aircraft or disrupt operations could trigger further scrutiny of drone detection, perimeter security and surveillance measures at the facility.
What’s next?
Authorities will need to establish the exact nature of the suspected explosive, determine how the third drone reached the area and investigate whether it is connected to the devices identified during the August 4 incident.
The reported allegations of foreign intelligence involvement are also likely to remain a major focus, although responsibility has yet to be proven.
Until German investigators release further findings, key questions surrounding the motive, organizers and intended targets remain unresolved.
Summary
German investigators have reportedly found a third drone near Leipzig/Halle Airport along with approximately 50 grams of a substance suspected to be the military explosive hexogen.
The discovery follows an August 4 incident involving an explosives-laden drone found near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft.
Investigators are also examining a possible second drone collision involving a DHL aircraft.
Security sources cited in German media reports suspect Russian intelligence involvement, while Moscow has rejected the allegation.
Authorities have not publicly established responsibility, and the investigation remains ongoing.
