Germany will soon announce who it believes was behind a suspected drone attack targeting Leipzig/Halle Airport earlier this month, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday, as investigators examine possible links to Russian intelligence.

Speaking after a meeting of Germany's governing coalition, Merz said authorities were working closely with the country's security agencies.

“We are working closely with the security authorities on this matter, and we will clarify it and comment on it soon,” Merz said.

German authorities have not publicly accused Russia of responsibility. German media, citing security sources, have reported that investigators suspect Russian intelligence involvement. Moscow has denied involvement, Reuters reported.

The investigation centres on events at Leipzig/Halle Airport on 4 August, when an explosives-laden drone was discovered close to a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft.

The Antonov aircraft is used to transport military supplies, and the airport itself is an important freight and logistics hub used by NATO and Ukraine-linked cargo operations.

The discovery prompted authorities to temporarily close the airport's southern runway and divert several aircraft.

During the disruption, a DHL cargo aircraft encountered an unidentified object after aborting a landing and later landed in Hanover. Minor damage was found on its nose. Investigators are examining whether another drone was involved.

The investigation widened after German broadcasters NDR and WDR and the Süddeutsche Zeitung reported that a third drone had been discovered west of the airport on 14 August, 10 days after the initial incident.

Investigators also found about 50 grams of a substance suspected to be hexogen, also known as RDX, a powerful explosive with military applications, according to Reuters.

The federal prosecutor's office declined to comment on the investigation when approached by Reuters.

German authorities had already been investigating a series of suspicious drone flights over military installations, energy facilities, ports and logistics sites. Federal police have previously said some of those incidents could have been organised by Russian agents.

European security agencies have also investigated suspected Russian-linked sabotage operations since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In 2024, incendiary devices hidden inside parcels caught fire at logistics facilities and in freight shipments moving through Europe. One device ignited at a DHL logistics centre in Leipzig, increasing concerns that air cargo networks could be targeted.

The latest investigation has particular security implications because of Leipzig/Halle's role in transporting military cargo.

Süddeutsche Zeitung reported that the Ukrainian Antonov aircraft beside which the first explosives-equipped drone was discovered had been carrying ammunition the previous day.

Merz did not identify a suspect on Tuesday or say exactly when the government would release its findings. He said the investigation was continuing in coordination with German security authorities.