- A bus driver knocked an explosive-laden drone out of the air, potentially preventing an attack at Leipzig/Halle airport, a major NATO and cargo logistics hub, according to senior lawmaker Detlef Seif.
- The drone, equipped with professional explosives and a detonator, crashed nearby after the bus driver's intervention, according to prosecutors and Seif.
- Federal prosecutors have launched a counterterrorism probe into what they call a serious attack that could have impacted foreign and domestic security.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a call to discuss the drone incident and remained in contact with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and other cabinet members.
- Seif described the bus driver's action as "very daring and courageous, but also very dangerous", possibly preventing the intended attack.
- A spokesperson advised that the public should not emulate the bus driver's action, but rather "letting us know would be enough".
- German media reported the drone was found close to several Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo airplanes, among the world's biggest freighters.
A bus driver at Leipzig/Halle airport displayed remarkable bravery when he kicked an explosive-laden drone out of the air, potentially averting a serious attack at this key NATO logistics hub. The incident occurred late Tuesday, as the driver spotted the drone flying low and acted decisively.12
According to Detlef Seif, a senior lawmaker from the CDU party, the drone was equipped with professional explosives and a detonator. It crashed nearby, raising significant security concerns. Federal prosecutors have since launched a counterterrorism investigation, labeling the incident a serious threat to both foreign and domestic security.3
Leipzig/Halle airport serves as the main operational base for NATO’s Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS), which is crucial for delivering equipment to bolster the defense pact’s eastern flank. Reports indicate that the drone was found near several Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo airplanes, among the largest freighters globally.9
Seif emphasized the bus driver’s actions, stating, “The bus driver’s action was very daring and courageous, but also very dangerous. It is possible that his intervention prevented the intended attack.” However, he cautioned against emulating such behavior, suggesting that reporting the drone would have sufficed. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been in contact with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and other cabinet members to discuss the incident, highlighting its gravity.5
“The drone, equipped with professional explosives and a detonator, crashed near Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo planes, among the world's largest freighters. Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed the incident with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, while a spokesperson warned the public not to emulate the driver's risky act.”
