German authorities are investigating the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig-Halle Airport, a major cargo hub used for military and humanitarian flights to Ukraine, after the incident briefly disrupted airport operations and raised concerns over a possible new security threat.
Flights resumed after part of the airport was temporarily closed and several aircraft, including a passenger flight, were diverted while authorities secured the area.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as a "very serious security incident" and said investigators were examining it as a possible hybrid attack.
"We are dealing with a hybrid attack scenario," Dobrindt told reporters during a visit to the airport, adding that the presence of an explosives-equipped drone on airport grounds represented "a new threat scenario."
German media reported that the drone was found near a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft. However, Interior Ministry officials told lawmakers that no nearby aircraft were carrying military ammunition, according to a person familiar with the briefing.
The officials said the explosive device contained materials commonly used in military applications but failed to detonate because of a faulty triggering mechanism, the source added.
Authorities have not identified those responsible for the incident, and German officials have not publicly linked it to Russia.
A NATO spokesperson said the alliance was aware of the incident and that German authorities were leading the investigation.
Leipzig-Halle Airport has served as an important logistics hub for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, handling cargo flights, including operations by Ukrainian carrier Antonov.
The incident comes amid growing concern among NATO members over alleged hybrid attacks and sabotage operations targeting critical infrastructure across Europe.
In recent years, several European countries have reported suspected sabotage incidents, drone incursions and espionage cases linked to Russia, allegations that Moscow has repeatedly denied.
Last week, a Russian missile crossed into Poland during an overnight attack on Ukraine, while Romania last month shot down three drones that entered its airspace.
Separately on Thursday, German prosecutors said a 33-year-old Ukrainian national had been arrested on suspicion of spying on a defence contractor in Bavaria on behalf of a foreign intelligence service.
Πηγή: skai.grRead the ΕNews today and stay informed about the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.