German investigators have linked the planning of a drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport to an officer of the Russian military intelligence service, the GRU, according to *WELT am Sonntag*, citing classified documents. Two suspects are involved in the case. One of them travelled to Germany via Turkey, subsequently flew to Serbia and is currently in Russia.
Briefly about the main points
- Two suspects are named in the confidential investigation files.
- Investigators believe that one of them is affiliated with the Russian military intelligence service, the GRU.
- The Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating an attempted explosion and interference with air traffic.
- A drone carrying an explosive device was neutralised on the runway.
- Berlin has attributed political responsibility for the attack to Russia.
WELT am Sonntag: evidence points to two suspects
WELT am Sonntag reports that classified documents from the German investigation have led investigators to two individuals. They believe one of the suspects is linked to the GRU — Russian military intelligence.
New information provides further details on the theory that organising an attack, but do not imply the conclusion of the proceedings or a judicial determination of the role of specific individuals. The German Government, in declaring Russia’s political responsibility, also emphasised that the criminal investigation is ongoing.
The case has been taken over by the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office
On 6 August, the German Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office took over the case from the Saxon authorities, citing its particular importance. The investigation was entrusted to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
The proceedings are being conducted under on suspicion of attempting to cause an explosion and dangerous interference with air traffic. According to the public prosecutor’s office, on the evening of 4 August, there were plans to carry out an explosion on the airport premises using a drone equipped with a professional explosive charge and a detonator.
The police neutralised a drone on the runway. Following the incident, a cargo aircraft, which had gone round for a second approach, collided with an unidentified object – presumably another drone – in a wider area of the airport.
Logistics hubs and airport security measures
Leipzig/Halle is a major international cargo hub where Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft operate regularly; the airport also hosts NATO operations under the SALIS strategic airlift programme. Berlin classifies sabotage, espionage, cyber-attacks and disinformation orchestrated by foreign states as hybrid threats.
In August, the industry association for airports, ADV, stated that Leipzig/Halle was one of seven major German airports still awaiting the promised systems for detecting and countering drones. Following the political attribution to Russia, Berlin announced, amongst other measures, the closure of the Russian Consulate-General in Bonn from 18 September and the tightening of entry controls for Russian citizens.
