A FPV Drone Hits Wing of Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan in Germany, Fails to Detonate

An FPV drone struck the wing of a Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport, but for unknown reasons, the explosive device did not detonate.

According to an analysis of video footage, the drone attacked the aircraft on the evening of August 4 at approximately 8:30 p.m. Kyiv time, Die Zeit reports.

Although the impact occurred in the most sensitive part of the wing, where the fuel tanks are located, the drone bounced off the aircraft’s surface and fell to the ground. The explosive device was loaded with Semtex plastic explosive.

Just four hours after the incident, a tour bus driver accidentally spotted the device on the ground, stepped on it, and alerted security personnel.

The released footage completely disproved the initial theory that the incident may have been merely a ‘warning’ with no intention of causing actual harm.

Previously, the United States assessed that the drone belonged to a Russian intelligence agency.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt suggested that the incident could be linked to foreign states, after which Germany’s National Security Council, chaired by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, convened on August 7.

The Antonov Airlines An-124 Ruslan transport aircraft, near which the attack drone was found, was carrying ammunition.

The cargo, which included military equipment and supplies, had arrived in Germany from France and was being prepared for onward shipment.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior denied the information about ammunition being on board during a closed-door meeting with members of the Bundestag.

Leipzig/Halle Airport is an important logistics hub that is regularly used for military transport operations in support of NATO countries.

Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan cargo aircraft are regularly involved in transporting defense-related cargo as part of international logistics programs.