Lithuania expects more information on Leipzig airport drone incident, minister says

VILNIUS - Lithuania's defence minister said on Wednesday he expected more information this week after German investigators found DNA evidence linking a drone incident at Leipzig airport to an investigation into incendiary parcels sent from Lithuania.

"This week I will receive all the information related to this incident, following reports that DNA traces lead through Lithuanian territory and are related to indications we have seen. Once this information is presented to me, we will assess the further course of action," Robertas Kaunas told reporters.

The German publication Bild reported on Monday that the detected trace matches DNA found after an incident at the DHL logistics centre in Leipzig in July 2024.

The Vilnius Regional Court is currently hearing a case involving incendiary devices, with five individuals facing charges. According to officials, the defendants acted as executors and intermediaries, while the organisers remain in Russia and are currently out of reach. Investigators have established that the crimes were organised by Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU.

Last week, a drone carrying explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle airport in eastern Germany, while another aircraft collided mid-air with an unidentified object and sustained minor damage.

Leipzig/Halle Airport serves as a base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines. It is also one of Europe's most significant cargo hubs and is vital for military logistics. Military shipments for the German armed forces and NATO allies, among others, are transported through the airport.

Following the incident, Germany announced it would invite Poland, the Baltic states, Norway, Denmark and Sweden to discuss security at the end of August. Citing sources, The Wall Street Journal reported last week that US intelligence links the drone to Russia.

The event comes as Lithuania and other nations warn of potential Russian provocations.

Kaunas said last week that Russia was considering attacks against critical infrastructure in the Baltic region using Ukrainian drones. On Wednesday, the minister emphasised that there was no new information regarding potential incidents, but noted that Lithuanian agencies were evaluating intelligence and had discussed possible responses to an attack.

Since June 18, the military has been supporting the Public Security Service in protecting the liquefied natural gas terminal in Klaipeda, the LitPol Link electricity interconnection with Poland in Alytus, a transformer substation in the Alytus district and the Kruonis pumped storage hydroelectric plant. These measures have been extended until August 19.

Kaunas said security measures were tentatively planned for an extension, though assessments were ongoing to determine whether additional actions were required.

The minister also emphasised that, given the current threats, air defence is a priority, although industry is not fully capable of meeting demand.

It was previously announced that Lithuania aims to have a fully integrated air defence detection system in place earlier than 2030.

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius said on Wednesday that next year's defence budget will be no less than 5 percent of gross domestic product, and that more funds should be allocated to air defence within it.