Police installed an extra radar post at Leipzig/Halle Airport after staff found an explosive-laden drone near a Ukrainian transport aircraft and brought it down. Observers reported the unit as an EchoShield radar, designed to detect and track drones at longer ranges. A DHL cargo plane also struck an unknown small object that may have been a second drone. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating possible attempted detonation and endangerment of air traffic.
EchoShield Radar Deployed at Leipzig/Halle After Explosive Drone Found Near Ukrainian Transport Plane
Police set up a guard post equipped with a special radar on the observation deck of the old tower at Leipzig/Halle Airport after a drone incident late on August 4, 2026. (is associated with: «Security radar installed at Leipzig airport after drone incident») Hendrik Schmidt/dpa
Police in Leipzig have deployed an additional radar-equipped security post at Leipzig/Halle Airport after this week’s discovery of a drone carrying explosives near a Ukrainian transport aircraft.
A dpa photographer observed the unit mounted on the visitors' platform of the airport's old control tower. Federal Police could not be reached for comment on Saturday.
Local outlet Tag24 identified the system as an EchoShield radar, a platform reported to detect small unmanned aerial systems at greater distances and to track their flight paths. Officials say the installation is intended to strengthen early warning capability and protect aircraft both on the ground and in nearby airspace.
Shortly before midnight on Tuesday, airport staff discovered a drone fitted with explosives and a detonator close to a Ukrainian transport plane and brought it down. In a separate but possibly related event, an airborne DHL cargo aircraft struck an unidentified small flying object—potentially a second drone—while in flight.
The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation on suspicion of attempted detonation of explosives and endangering air traffic. Police and prosecutors continue to examine the circumstances and have released few operational details so far.
Help us improve.
