German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that those responsible for drone attacks and other hostile acts targeting Germany will “pay a price,” as authorities investigate a series of increasingly serious security incidents.
Commenting on the latest incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport, Merz said Germany was facing “a very real threat” and was increasingly becoming a target of hostile activities.
On August 4, a drone carrying an explosive device was discovered near Ukrainian cargo aircraft at the airport. The device failed to detonate, reportedly because its detonator was damaged. Police subsequently defused the explosives, while investigators believe a second drone may have collided with a nearby cargo aircraft.
German media later reported that investigators had discovered a third drone near the airport, with traces of the military explosive RDX found in its vicinity.
The incidents have raised suspicions of possible Russian involvement, although the German government has stopped short of directly accusing Moscow. Russia has denied any involvement.
“We have problems, some of which originate from abroad and which we must not ignore,” Merz said, adding that “the attackers are becoming increasingly ruthless.”
The chancellor said German authorities were working to strengthen the country’s defenses against drones and expand the capabilities of security services to respond to threats both inside and outside Germany.
Germany has reported a series of unauthorized drone flights in recent months over military bases, airports, energy facilities, ports and logistics sites. German police have warned that some of the incidents could have been organized by Russian agents.
Merz also reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine, saying Berlin would continue to support Kyiv with “unwavering determination.”
“Those behind these attacks will pay a price,” the German chancellor warned.
The incidents come as Germany strengthens its security posture amid growing concerns over espionage, sabotage and other forms of hybrid activity linked to the wider confrontation between Russia and the West.
