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German investigators have discovered a suspicious antenna near the site of an apparent attack on a Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport, along with several DNA traces that could help identify those behind the incident, Tagesschau reported.
Antenna discovered near the airport
Investigators found a small antenna attached to a tree near the airport. Authorities suspect it may have been installed by the perpetrators and could prove important in the investigation.
Experts believe the device may have been used to amplify the signal guiding an explosive-laden drone toward the airport.
DNA traces found on drone debris
German security authorities are also examining DNA traces found on a container that had been filled with explosives.
Additional DNA traces of varying quality were reportedly discovered on the drone itself and near the crime scene.
Investigators have identified a possible DNA match that could be linked to another case involving the same genetic profile. Another trace reportedly points to Lithuania.
Modified drone used in the attack
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the drone was a specially modified model equipped with an additional battery to extend its flight time, Tagesschau reported.
The drone reportedly:
- had no navigation lights;
- was equipped with a camera;
- carried a 5G router and two SIM cards.
Drone may have been controlled remotely
Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office suspects the drone may have been controlled through a mobile network, potentially from a considerable distance.
The equipment theoretically allowed the aircraft to be operated from virtually anywhere in the world.
Investigators therefore believe the antenna found near the airport may have been installed to provide the strongest possible and most reliable control signal for the drone.
Possible links to Russian sabotage networks
Investigators are also examining similarities between the Leipzig incident and a previous series of attacks involving alleged Russian “one-off agents.”
Two years ago, a network of recruits operating in Lithuania, Poland and Germany was allegedly involved in sending explosive devices, including through air cargo.
Investigators believe the network may have been controlled by Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU. Explosive packages were reportedly involved in incidents at airports in Leipzig, Birmingham and Warsaw.
Several suspects are currently facing trial in Poland and Lithuania over the alleged attacks.
Investigators have also identified a young Ukrainian national who was reportedly recruited to carry out attacks and later traveled to Germany, where he may have collected items for a Russian intelligence service. These reportedly included drone components, specialized mounts and metal containers.
Earlier, US intelligence reportedly linked Russia to the Leipzig/Halle Airport incident, where an explosive-laden drone was found near the Ukrainian An-124 aircraft.
German authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and are also searching for possible debris from a second drone.
