Explosive Drone Targeting Ukrainian An-124 in Germany Linked to Russia, US Intelligence Says

US intelligence has assessed that an explosive-laden drone discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport was linked to the Russian government, according to The Wall Street Journal on August 8, citing US officials familiar with intelligence assessments.

The incident, which occurred overnight on August 5, has heightened concerns among Western officials over suspected Russian sabotage activities targeting critical infrastructure and military logistics in Europe. The assessment was also confirmed to CNN by a US defense official in Europe.

The drone was found inside the airport’s secured cargo operations area near a Ukrainian Antonov Airlines An-124 aircraft based at Leipzig/Halle Airport. According to The Wall Street Journal, US intelligence now believes the device was connected to the Russian government, although officials did not publicly disclose the evidence supporting that conclusion.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt previously said the incident represented a “new level of danger” and suggested the possibility of involvement by a foreign state. Germany’s Federal Security Council, chaired by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, convened on August 7 to discuss the case.

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Reports initially claimed the An-124 had been loaded with ammunition transported from France before continuing onward. However, Germany’s Interior Ministry later denied those reports during a closed briefing with members of the Bundestag, stating no ammunition had been aboard the aircraft.

Leipzig/Halle Airport has served as the primary European operating base for Antonov Airlines since 2022 and is regularly used for NATO-related military and logistics flights.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said no people were injured during the Leipzig incident and confirmed that Antonov’s aircraft were not damaged.

According to earlier German media reports, the drone was equipped with an explosive device. Airport personnel detected the UAV after it was seen flying at low altitude between two Ukrainian cargo aircraft before falling to the ground. The airport was temporarily closed overnight while authorities responded to the incident.

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