Leipzig drone incident exposes ammunition cargo on Ukrainian An-124

A Ukrainian cargo aircraft parked near a drone carrying explosives at Leipzig/Halle Airport was loaded with ammunition, according to German media outlets, including WDR, NDR, and Süddeutsche Zeitung, citing a confidential police report.

According to the report, one of the Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft near which the explosive-laden drone was discovered was carrying ammunition that had reportedly been transported from France to Leipzig shortly beforehand and was likely intended for onward shipment.

Investigators said the drone was spotted on the evening of August 4 between two Antonov An-124 aircraft. After making contact with an airport employee, it fell to the ground. The airport's drone detection system failed to identify it, while German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the device had likely been specially modified to evade existing security systems.

Surveillance footage showed that the drone had entered the airport several hours before it was discovered and landed in a parking area. It was later found next to the Ukrainian cargo planes.

The incident prompted a temporary suspension of airport operations. As a result, a DHL cargo aircraft arriving from Marseille and preparing to land was forced to abort its approach and climb again. According to internal reports cited by the media, the aircraft struck an object near the airport perimeter fence while travelling at approximately 500 km/h. Investigators believe the object may have been another drone.

The DHL aircraft, which investigators believe was carrying hazardous cargo, was able to continue its flight and was diverted to Hannover-Langenhagen Airport. Experts later discovered damage to the front section of the aircraft.

According to investigators, the drone was carrying a package containing what is believed to have been Semtex, an explosive used for both military and industrial purposes. The probe is ongoing.

By Jeyhun Aghazada