Suspected Traces of Explosives Found After Drone Discovery in Wunstorf

Following the discovery of drone parts near the German Armed Forces air base in Wunstorf, Lower Saxony, suspicious material has been found during the ongoing search for evidence. According to information from security sources, the material consists of traces of explosives. To what extent these can be linked to the drone is reportedly still under investigation.

Previously, NDR, WDR, and the *Süddeutsche Zeitung* had reported that investigators believed the drone found might have been loaded with explosives. The suspicious material was reportedly found just a few meters away from the drone. The report added that forensic analysis of the substance has not yet been completed.

When asked about the report, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior in Hanover referred the matter to the Federal Prosecutor General. A spokeswoman for the agency in Karlsruhe did not comment when asked.

Last week, following the discovery of the drone, investigators searched the hard-to-access terrain in the Hanover region. They believe the drone crashed there and broke into several pieces. The origin of the drone remains unclear. East of the area near Steinhuder Meer lies Wunstorf Air Base. This is an important Bundeswehr base where the German A400M fleet is stationed.

Parallels to the Leipzig incident?

According to earlier reports, investigators are also examining a possible connection to the drone incident at Leipzig Airport. According to information from security circles, the drone found in Wunstorf was not a commercially available model, but rather a flying object equipped with custom components. It was reported that there was a certain similarity to the explosive-laden drone found at Leipzig/Halle Airport. This, combined with the location where it was found—about two kilometers from the Wunstorf Air Base—suggests that it may have been a Russian espionage attempt, as was initially reported. 

At the Leipzig/Halle Airport in early August, a drone rigged with explosives was found next to Ukrainian cargo planes. The Federal Prosecutor General is investigating the case. The German government holds Russia responsible for the attempted attack. Moscow denies this.

The drone in Wunstorf, which was found by chance, may have been lying on the ground there for some time. According to reports by NDR, WDR, and the *Süddeutsche Zeitung*, the drone may have been there for as long as two years. A farmer is said to have found it recently.