Lithuanian defence and interior ministers have received information linking an explosive drone incident at Leipzig Halle Airport in Germany to a domestic inquiry into incendiary packages sent abroad, news outlet LRT reported.
Lithuania's Ministry of Interior said on Monday, August 17, that national authorities were actively cooperating with foreign agencies to prevent potential acts of sabotage.
Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said last week that he expected to receive information on the German incident following reports that DNA traces led through Lithuanian territory.
Kaunas later confirmed that he had received the details, but noted that the information was not intended for public release. He added that the matter fell strictly within the authority of the Ministry of Interior, though his department had received all requested updates.
The Ministry of Interior declined to provide additional details about the case, citing the ongoing investigation.
Explosive drone discovered at German airport
The security probe follows an incident on August 4, when a fallen drone was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane at Leipzig Halle Airport. Technical experts identified the drone's payload as explosives equipped with an internal detonator.
Investigators determined that the device failed to detonate only because of a mechanical malfunction in the trigger mechanism. German authorities are treating the event as a potential attack attempt and are examining whether foreign state actors were involved.
United States intelligence officials suspect that the Russian government may be behind the deployment of the explosive aircraft.
Leipzig Halle Airport is a major cargo hub located in the eastern German state of Saxony. Antonov is a Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer renowned for producing heavy cargo transport planes.
DNA evidence and logistics center arson
Forensic specialists recovered DNA material from the drone found near the Ukrainian aircraft. The recovered genetic profile matched a sample documented in 2024 during an investigation into an arson attack at a DHL logistics center in Leipzig.
German officials emphasized that there is currently no evidence establishing a link between the two cases. Forensic units have not yet matched the DNA sample to any specific individual.
Lithuania is a Baltic nation and NATO member located in northeastern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea.
