Semtex-Laden Drone Strikes Wing of Fuel-Carrying Plane at Leipzig Airport

At Leipzig Airport, a drone packed with the explosive Semtex struck the wing of a Ukrainian cargo plane that was carrying, among other things, military supplies. The incident took place at around 7:30 p.m., and investigators say a catastrophe was averted by what can only be described as a miracle.

An analysis of surveillance footage covering most of the airport grounds showed that the drone flew straight toward the aircraft and struck the wing — the section where fuel tanks are typically located. Investigators believe this could indicate that the attacker deliberately aimed for the spot where a collision would cause the greatest possible damage.

What the camera footage revealed

According to the video, the object bounced off the wing and fell to the ground. Investigators say this strongly supports the theory that the drone was indeed intended to damage the aircraft. However, it remains unclear what route the drone took to reach the airport, how it managed to get so close to the plane, and whether striking the aircraft was actually its goal.

Custom-built and invisible to standard radar

Investigators have determined that the drone was custom-made and went undetected by standard radar systems. The Semtex used is a powerful explosive typically employed by the military. In addition, traces of DNA were found on the drone that match samples collected during the investigation into an earlier arson attack on a DHL logistics center in Leipzig.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz