German airport drone-bomb: Could Russia be involved?
German authorities are investigating a drone loaded with explosives found at Leipzig airport, raising concerns about potential hybrid warfare. While there is no direct proof of Russian involvement, officials are wary of foreign state-sponsored sabotage.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the escalating security risks to European infrastructure and the growing threat of hybrid warfare tactics involving foreign proxies.
Image source, Jens Schlueter/Getty Images Image caption, A special robot was sent to remove the detonator from the device
As Germany investigates how a drone loaded with explosives reached a runway at Leipzig airport, there is renewed talk in Europe of hybrid war.
The interior minister is warning of a "new level of danger" from an attack that "may involve foreign powers".
There is no proof at this stage to link the flying bomb directly to Russia, which denies any role. But as well as the means and the motive, Moscow does have form.
The BBC has seen details of the investigation into a plot in 2024 in which Russian-linked proxies in Poland and Lithuania not only handled drones and explosives but also delivered them to Germany.
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