Germany's Merz warns attackers will 'pay price' after drone incident

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that those responsible for drone attacks and other hostile acts against Germany, including a recent case at Leipzig Airport, would "pay a price".

Merz said the incident showed Germany was "facing a very real threat" and was increasingly becoming a target.

On 4 August, a drone carrying an explosive device was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany, close to Ukrainian cargo planes. However, it failed to explode as the detonator was apparently faulty.

Police defused the explosives and believe a second drone may have collided with a cargo aircraft nearby. Security experts have speculated that Russia may have been responsible.

The German government has made no direct accusations. Moscow has denied involvement.

Leipzig/Halle Airport is used by the Germany military and Nato allies for the transport of military goods and also serves as a base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines - which carry most of the country's aerial cargo. It is also a major hub for logistics group DHL.

"We have problems, some of which stem from outside the country, and which we must not ignore," Merz said.

"Attackers are increasingly ruthless, accepting even severe property damage, and even injuries and fatalities."

According to German reports, investigators have since found a third drone near Leipzig airport.

Public broadcasters NDR, WDR and the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper also reported that traces of the military explosive hexogen were found nearby.

Speaking on the margins of a government coalition retreat at Neuhardenberg, Merz said the government was working closely with the security authorities on the case and would release more details soon.

Merz also vowed to "stay the course" supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion.

"The government is continuing its support for Ukraine with steadfast resolve," he said. "Today, we are its strongest supporter - not to prolong the war, but to force peace talks."

Germany, he said, was initiating a range of measures to better protect itself against such attacks.

These include stronger drone defences and plans to empower security services to strike back against attackers at home and abroad, for example by hacking their computer servers.

There has been a series of unauthorised drone flights in recent months over sensitive sites in Germany including military bases, airports, energy terminals, seaports and logistics companies.

Police have warned that the overflights could have been organised by Russian agents.