Three drones reportedly used in attack targeting Ukrainian An-124 in Germany

Investigators now believe several drones, rather than a single UAV, were involved in the incident.

One drone was discovered on airport grounds, a second apparently collided with a DHL cargo aircraft, while a third was found in a field near Kabelsketal on Aug. 14.

Forensic experts from Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office and additional police units arrived at the site on Aug. 14, security sources told the outlets.

The following day, investigators discovered a substance at the site preliminarily identified as about 50 grams (1.8 ounces) of military-grade RDX, a powerful explosive.

The findings suggest the suspects may have been planning a considerably larger attack than previously believed, the report said.

DHL aircraft apparently collides with second drone

The first drone was discovered at the airport at around 11:42 p.m. on Aug. 4.

About 20 minutes later, at around 12:03 a.m., a second drone apparently collided with a DHL cargo aircraft.

The DHL plane had been forced to abort its landing at Leipzig and climb again after the airport was closed following the discovery of the first drone.

Investigators believe the aircraft struck the UAV at a speed of several hundred kilometers per hour near the airport perimeter fence.

The pilots reported seeing an object approximately 30 centimeters (12 inches) across seconds before impact. A subsequent analysis of radar imagery also confirmed the presence of a small flying object, the investigation found.

The DHL aircraft was diverted to Hanover after the collision, where investigators inspected the plane and questioned its crew.

Damage was discovered on the tail section consistent with an impact, and investigators determined that the aircraft had not suffered a bird strike.

Neither the second drone nor any debris from it has been recovered.

Investigators believe the UAV may have been sucked into the aircraft’s engines and shredded into small fragments after the collision.

Possible drone control equipment found near airport

Investigators also seized technical equipment north of Leipzig/Halle Airport that may have been used to control the drone.

An antenna and other electronics had been attached to a tree with adhesive tape, the report said.

Burned debris, soil and pieces of metal were also discovered nearby. Investigators believe the location may have been the site of an explosion.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud blast at around 7:20 p.m., several hours before the explosive-laden drone was discovered at the airport.

Leipzig drone incident — what is known

An explosive-laden drone equipped with a detonator was discovered on the runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport overnight on Aug. 4-5, close to a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 Ruslan cargo aircraft.

The airport has served as a base for Ukrainian Antonov aircraft since 2022.

Flights were diverted following the discovery. One DHL cargo aircraft delayed its landing and circled the airport when it collided in midair with an unidentified object, which pilots later said may have been another drone.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said on Aug. 6 that the incident did not appear to be the work of amateurs and that the involvement of a foreign state could not be ruled out.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said no one was injured and that Antonov’s Ukrainian aircraft were not damaged.

Media reports initially claimed the An-124 had been carrying ammunition, but Germany’s Interior Ministry later denied that information.

U.S. officials familiar with intelligence on the incident told The Wall Street Journal that the explosive-laden drone was likely connected to the Russian government.