The head of France’s domestic security service (DGSI), Celine Berthon, has raised alarms regarding the potential escalation of more severe hybrid warfare actions within the country. This warning follows an incident in Leipzig, where, on August 4, an explosive-laden drone was detected near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane used for transporting military supplies.
In addition to the explosive drone, German investigators are also looking into a second drone that reportedly collided in the air with a DHL cargo plane shortly after Leipzig airport briefly closed.
During a debate hosted by the business association MEDEF, Berthon stated, “The discovery of an explosive drone in Leipzig, which likely aimed at supporting the Ukrainian military, signals that we must consider the possibility of more direct and violent hostile actions occurring on our national territory.” She emphasized that hybrid warfare tactics in France could target defense sector companies as well as the entire supply chain contributing to the defense industry’s technological and industrial base, including subcontractors and strategic production sectors like energy and communications.
“Given the tightening stance of Russia in particular, we must integrate the hypothesis of heightened and worsening threats facing companies,” Berthon explained.
Third Drone Linked to Leipzig Incident Discovered
Ten days after the Leipzig incident, German investigators found another drone along with substances suspected to be explosives associated with the same event, as reported by NDR and WDR television stations and the “Süddeutsche Zeitung.” This drone was located on August 14, west of the airport, where investigators also uncovered approximately 50 grams of a substance believed to be hexogen, a military explosive.
Security sources suspect that Russian intelligence services may be involved in the attempted attack at Leipzig airport, a claim that Moscow has denied.
