German investigators find third drone, explosives after failed airport attack, media say

Live updates

1. 16d ago

   French Security Chief Probes Risks Following Leipzig Drone Attack

   French authorities are investigating new security risks to industry, defence, and vital sectors following a suspected drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. This follows the discovery of a third unmanned aerial vehicle in Kabelsketal, Saxony-Anhalt, which contained 50 grams of military-grade RDX explosive that failed to detonate. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated the government will soon identify the party responsible for the attempt. The incident involved three drones in total, including one that reportedly struck a DHL aircraft and another found on airport grounds.

   Why it matters

   The attack represents a significant security breach at a major European logistics hub. It occurs amid broader regional tensions, including a blocked Strait of Hormuz and ongoing conflict with Iran. The use of military-grade explosives suggests a level of sophistication beyond amateur activity.

   What is confirmed

   • Forensic investigators found approximately 50 grams of RDX explosive in a drone discovered in Kabelsketal.
   • Three drones were involved in the airport incidents, including one that reportedly hit a DHL aircraft.
   • Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the government will announce the party responsible for the attack.

   Still unconfirmed

   • French authorities are probing new security risks to vital sectors, defence, and industry after the Leipzig attack.

   What to watch next

   • Official announcement from the German government regarding the identity of the responsible party
   • Findings from the French security probe into hybrid threats to critical infrastructure
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. www.globalbankingandfinance.com — French security chief sees new threats after Leipzig drone attack
   2. jen.jiji.com — Cyberattack on UK airports, hackers demand ransom
   3. jen.jiji.com — Germany, Hormuz talks postponed in Istanbul
   4. jen.jiji.com — Ten days of spectacle in Imperia, the history of the America's Cup inaugurates the Vintage Sails
   5. jen.jiji.com — Vuelta a España, today eighth stage: times, route and where to watch it on TV
   6. techrights.org — Links 30/08/2026: Russian Strike on a Ukrainian Warehouse and Rhetoric Escalations
   7. jen.jiji.com — MotoGP, Aragon GP arrival order and World Championship standings
   8. jen.jiji.com — Alessandro Di Battista, the reply to Neapolitan pizza maker Gino Sorbillo: "Here rice and chicken, I'll come visit you soon"
   confidence 90%
2. 21d ago

   German investigators find third drone and explosives near Leipzig airport

   German authorities discovered a third unmanned aerial vehicle in a field in Kabelsketal, Saxony-Anhalt, adjacent to the western side of Leipzig/Halle Airport. Forensic investigators from the Federal Criminal Police Office found approximately 50 grams of RDX, a powerful military explosive, which failed to detonate. This follows two earlier incidents where one drone was found at the airport and another reportedly struck a DHL aircraft. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the government will soon announce the party responsible for the attempted attack.

   Why it matters

   The incident suggests a coordinated effort using multiple drones to target critical aviation infrastructure. Germany has responded by opening a new drone security center in Saxony-Anhalt to address rising threats. The investigation now focuses on why the explosive device failed to trigger.

   What is confirmed

   • German investigators found a third drone near Leipzig/Halle Airport.
   • The third drone was discovered on the evening of August 14 in Kabelsketal, Saxony-Anhalt.
   • Federal Criminal Police Office investigators found about 50 grams of RDX explosive at the site.
   • The explosive substance failed to detonate.
   • Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government will soon announce who is responsible for the attack.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The drone attack may have been linked to Russian involvement.
   • Several drones were used in the attack, including one that struck a DHL aircraft.

   What to watch next

   • The German government's official announcement regarding the identity of the perpetrators.
   • Forensic results explaining why the RDX failed to detonate.
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. Reuters — German investigators find third drone, explosives after failed airport attack, media say
   2. dw.com — Germany news: Third drone found in Leipzig airport probe
   3. Resilience Media — German drone crash highlights the need for controlled test ranges, drone countermeasures
   4. Devdiscourse — Germany to say who's behind attempted airport drone attack soon, says Merz
   5. Euronews.com — Germany opens new drone security centre in Saxony-Anhalt amid rising threats
   6. tass.com — German law enforcement discovers third drone near Leipzig/Halle Airport — newspaper
   7. www.aol.com — Germany to say who's behind attempted airport drone attack soon, says Merz
   8. www.aerotime.aero — Third drone and more explosives found at location near Leipzig Airport: reports
   9. theins.press — Third drone found near Leipzig airport with traces of explosives, raising suspicion of Russian involvement
   10. www.yahoo.com — Germany finds another drone linked to Leipzig airport incident, media reports
   11. avbrief.com — Third ‘Hybrid Warfare’ Drone Found at German Airport
   12. malaysia.news.yahoo.com — Latest news bulletin | August 25th, 2026 – Morning
   confidence 90%