Germany's Merz warns attackers will 'pay price' after drone incident
A drone attack on Leipzig Airport highlights the "very real threat" faced by the country, the German chancellor says.
Germany's Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, issued a stern warning that those behind drone attacks and other hostile actions targeting Germany, including a recent incident at Leipzig Airport, would "pay a price."
Merz stated that the event underscored a "very real threat" to Germany, indicating its growing vulnerability as a target. On August 4, an explosive-laden drone was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany, near Ukrainian cargo planes. The device failed to detonate, seemingly due to a faulty detonator. Police subsequently defused the explosives and suspect a second drone might have collided with a nearby cargo aircraft. Security experts have speculated about potential Russian involvement, though the German government has not made direct accusations, and Moscow has denied any role.
Leipzig/Halle Airport is utilized by the German military and NATO allies for transporting military goods. It also serves as a base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines, which handles most of the country's aerial cargo, and is a significant hub for the logistics firm DHL.
Merz remarked, "We have problems, some of which stem from outside the country, and which we must not ignore." He added, "Attackers are increasingly ruthless, accepting even severe property damage, and even injuries and fatalities."
German reports indicate that investigators have since located a third drone near Leipzig airport. Public broadcasters NDR, WDR, and the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper also reported the discovery of traces of the military explosive hexogen in the vicinity.
Speaking at a government coalition retreat in Neuhardenberg, Merz confirmed that the government is collaborating closely with security authorities on the case and would release further details soon.
Merz also reiterated Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, vowing to "stay the course." He stated, "The government is continuing its support for Ukraine with steadfast resolve. Today, we are its strongest supporter - not to prolong the war, but to force peace talks."
He announced that Germany is implementing various measures to enhance its protection against such attacks. These include bolstering drone defenses and developing plans to authorize security services to retaliate against attackers both domestically and internationally, potentially through actions like hacking computer servers.
In recent months, Germany has experienced a series of unauthorized drone flights over sensitive locations, including military bases, airports, energy terminals, seaports, and logistics companies. Police have cautioned that these overflights might have been orchestrated by Russian agents.