Chancellor Merz vows Germany will make hybrid attackers 'pay a price'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday issued a stern warning that Berlin will make perpetrators of hybrid attacks "pay a price," following revelations that a recent attempted drone strike at Leipzig Airport involved multiple unmanned aircraft and military-grade explosives.

Merz warns of escalating threats

Speaking to reporters ahead of a government Cabinet retreat near Berlin, Merz said the incident underscored the severity of threats facing Germany. "Attackers are becoming increasingly unscrupulous, willing to accept even severe property damage, injuries, and deaths," he said, noting that investigations remain ongoing. The chancellor stressed that Berlin will soon present its findings and that perpetrators will be held accountable, adding that a recent legislative package strengthening intelligence services will further bolster national security capabilities.

Leipzig plot involved multiple drones

Media reports on Tuesday indicated that the attempted attack on a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane earlier this month was more serious than initially assessed, with investigators believing several drones were deployed rather than just one. The first device was discovered on airport grounds, while a second may have collided with a DHL cargo aircraft, according to public broadcasters NDR and WDR and the Suddeutsche Zeitung daily.

A third drone — previously unreported — was found on August 14 in a field near the western edge of the airport, security sources said. Forensic technicians from the Federal Criminal Police Office arrived at the site that day, and investigators subsequently discovered approximately 50 grams of hexogen, a highly explosive military compound, the following day.

Ukraine support 'for the long haul'

Merz emphasized that such hybrid attacks will not deter Germany from maintaining its strong support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia. "We are staying the course," he said, adding that Berlin remains committed to its current trajectory. "Germany will maintain its support for Ukraine for the long haul. We are currently Ukraine's strongest supporter — not to prolong the war, but to force peace talks," Merz stated, framing continued military and logistical aid as a means to achieve diplomatic resolution.