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A drone that was found near a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 at Leipzig Airport on August 5 had apparently attacked the aircraft before crashing to the ground, according to Die Zeit.
Newly reviewed surveillance footage reportedly shows that the airport narrowly avoided a potentially catastrophic incident. The aircraft was carrying a cargo of military ammunition at the time.
Drone struck the aircraft
According to information obtained by Zeit, the incident occurred on the evening of August 4 at around 7:30 p.m. Footage shows the drone flying directly toward the An-124 before striking one of its wings.
The wings are particularly vulnerable because they typically contain fuel tanks. The drone apparently bounced off the wing and fell to the ground without detonating. Marks found on one of the aircraft’s wings reportedly support this reconstruction.
Investigators have not yet determined why the explosive device failed to detonate.
Explosive device found separately
A tourist bus driver was the first person to notice the drone near the Ukrainian aircraft. Earlier accounts suggested that he had kicked the drone and pinned it to the ground.
However, surveillance footage reportedly shows that the drone was already on the ground when the driver arrived. After briefly hesitating, he placed his foot on it and alerted airport security.
Contrary to earlier reports, the explosive device was not attached to the drone when it was discovered. Investigators believe it may have broken off when the drone struck the aircraft.
Possible state involvement
The new evidence appears to weaken the theory that the drone was intended merely as a warning. Investigators had previously considered the possibility that it was armed but not intended to detonate.
The investigation has not established that Russia was behind the attempted attack. However, several details reportedly point to a highly sophisticated operation.
The drone was allegedly custom-built rather than commercially purchased, making it difficult for ordinary criminals or hobbyists to obtain. Because it was a non-commercial drone, conventional radar systems may not have detected it.
The drone was also reportedly equipped with Semtex, a powerful explosive commonly associated with military use. Investigators are therefore increasingly considering possible involvement by a state actor.
Military cargo on board
The Ukrainian An-124 was reportedly carrying military ammunition when the incident occurred.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as an act of hybrid warfare and said it demonstrated a new level of threat. Police in Saxony have not commented on reports concerning the aircraft’s military cargo.
Leipzig/Halle Airport is an important hub for heavy Antonov transport aircraft. The An-124 Ruslan involved in the incident had arrived there after departing from Kyiv, while other aircraft based at the airport conduct international cargo operations.
