A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 suffered substantial damage during take-off from Munich Airport on August 15 after its speed dropped twice during the take-off roll, forcing the pilots to continue the departure despite limited runway remaining. The aircraft later returned safely to Munich after dumping fuel, with all 271 passengers and 16 crew members reported safe.

The incident involved Vietnam Airlines flight VN34, which was operating from Munich to Hanoi. The aircraft, registered as VN-A867, took off at around 1:45 pm local time but encountered technical problems shortly after becoming airborne.

Speed Drops During Take-Off

A preliminary report from Vietnam's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAV), cited by Vietnamese media, has provided details of the incident.

According to the report, the aircraft's speed stopped increasing for around two seconds when it was approximately halfway along runway 26L. The aircraft then accelerated again and reached V1, the speed at which pilots must decide whether to continue or reject a take-off.

The aircraft's speed subsequently dropped for a second time. By then, the pilots determined that there was insufficient runway remaining to safely abort the take-off.

Boeing 787 Takes Off Near Runway End

With the aircraft already committed to the departure, the crew increased engine thrust to maximum. The report said the aircraft had only about 91 metres of runway remaining when the pilot raised the nose and the Boeing 787 became airborne.

Videos circulating online appeared to show the aircraft continuing along the runway for an unusually long distance before lifting off, with dust visible behind the aircraft.

The incident has prompted investigators to examine the cause of the two speed reductions and the aircraft's take-off performance.

Tail Strike Warning Triggered

Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft generated warnings indicating a possible tail strike and low tyre pressure.

The crew informed air traffic control and decided to return to Munich Airport. The aircraft climbed to approximately 9,000 feet before beginning to dump fuel to reduce its weight and prepare for landing.

The plane then remained in the vicinity of Munich for more than an hour. It also made low-altitude circuits that allowed air traffic controllers to visually assess its landing gear before the aircraft returned to the airport.

Passengers Brace for Landing

Passengers quoted in local media described a tense situation inside the cabin after the captain informed them that the aircraft had developed a technical problem.

Cabin crew later instructed passengers to adopt the brace position as the aircraft prepared to land.

The Boeing 787-9 eventually landed safely on runway 26R at around 3:57 pm local time, roughly two hours after departing Munich.

Four Main Gear Tyres Burst

A preliminary inspection found that four of the aircraft's eight main landing-gear tyres had burst during the incident. Three damaged tyres were located on the left side, while one was on the right.

Investigators also discovered scrape marks on the underside of the rear fuselage and damage to the aircraft's outer skin, indicating that the tail had struck the runway during take-off.

Despite the extent of the damage, there were no reports of injuries or fire among passengers or crew.

The aircraft was unable to taxi away from the runway under its own power, temporarily affecting airport operations. It remains grounded at Munich Airport while further technical inspections are carried out.

Germany Leads Investigation

Germany's Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) is leading the investigation into the incident.

Investigators have recovered the aircraft's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. Both have been taken to the BFU headquarters in Braunschweig for examination.

Authorities are expected to investigate why the aircraft's speed dropped twice during the take-off roll and whether the issue was related to the aircraft's engines, systems, runway conditions or other operational factors.

Vietnam's CAAV is assisting German investigators. Vietnam Airlines is also cooperating with the investigation along with Boeing and the aircraft's engine manufacturer.

The investigation is expected to establish the precise sequence of events and determine what caused the aircraft to lose speed during the critical stages of its departure.

Europe’s prolonged summer heat is increasingly turning into an economic challenge, disrupting river transport, electricity generation, agriculture and tourism while raising concerns over food and energy costs.

Five heatwaves have swept across Europe this summer, with record temperatures, prolonged drought and wildfires putting pressure on critical infrastructure and businesses.

Dutch bank Triodos estimates that extreme heat could cost the European Union around €180 billion (approximately $208 billion) in 2026, equivalent to about 1 per cent of the bloc’s GDP. The estimate comes as the EU is expected to grow by only around 1.1 per cent this year.

The impact is particularly significant as Europe is already dealing with high energy costs, weak industrial activity, US tariffs and growing competition from China.

Rhine Disrupts German Industry

The Rhine has emerged as one of the clearest examples of how extreme weather is affecting Europe’s economy.

The river is a major transport corridor for Germany, carrying chemicals, fuels, raw materials and other industrial products. But prolonged drought has pushed water levels lower, forcing barges to reduce their loads.

Some companies are shifting shipments from waterways to road and rail, increasing transportation costs and creating additional pressure on industrial supply chains.

The Rhine is not alone. Other major European waterways, including parts of the Danube, are also experiencing low water levels after months of limited rainfall.

Nuclear Power Faces Cooling Problems

Europe’s electricity sector is facing another unusual consequence of extreme heat: inadequate cooling water for nuclear power plants.

France generates more than two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear power. Several of its reactors rely on river water for cooling, leaving them vulnerable when river temperatures become too high or water levels fall.

EDF expected up to 15 per cent of its nuclear fleet to be offline during the latest heatwave.

Romania has faced similar difficulties. Nuclearelectrica began disconnecting its sole operational reactor at the Cernavoda nuclear plant after the Danube reached critically low levels. The country has also declared an energy emergency for August and urged households and businesses to voluntarily reduce electricity consumption.

Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant has also reduced output because of high temperatures and low Danube water levels.

Electricity Demand Moves Higher

The heatwave is creating pressure on both sides of Europe’s power market.

As temperatures rise, households, offices, shops and factories increase their use of air conditioning and other cooling systems. Electricity demand therefore rises at the same time that some nuclear and hydropower facilities face difficulties maintaining normal output.

French electricity prices have risen as traders anticipated reduced nuclear generation.

If nuclear and hydropower output remains constrained, European countries may need to depend more heavily on gas-fired power plants or electricity imports. This could keep power prices elevated and increase operating costs for energy-intensive industries.

Gas Storage Faces Pressure

The heatwave also comes at a difficult time for Europe’s energy security.

European gas storage levels are relatively low for this point in the year, while geopolitical tensions have contributed to uncertainty around LNG supplies.

Higher electricity demand during the summer could increase gas consumption if nuclear generation falls. That could make it more expensive for European countries to refill storage facilities ahead of winter.

The immediate concern is not necessarily a shortage of gas, but the possibility that rebuilding reserves will become more expensive.

Higher energy procurement costs could eventually affect electricity and heating bills for households while increasing expenses for businesses.

Agriculture Takes Major Hit

Agriculture is among the sectors facing the most direct damage from extreme heat and drought.

High temperatures are reducing soil moisture, stressing crops and accelerating harvesting. European agricultural monitoring has reported growing stress in several summer crops, while production estimates for crops such as maize and sunflower have been reduced.

The effects can spread across the food supply chain.

Lower cereal production can increase the cost of animal feed, raising expenses for meat, dairy and egg producers. A weaker harvest could also increase Europe’s dependence on imports.

If several agricultural regions experience poor harvests simultaneously, global supplies could tighten, potentially pushing food prices higher.

Southern Europe Under Pressure

Southern European economies are particularly exposed because agriculture, tourism and outdoor employment play an important role in countries such as Italy, Spain and Greece.

Prolonged heat and drought are affecting crops including cereals, tomatoes, grapes and olives.

Tourism could also face a longer-term impact. Temperatures approaching or exceeding 40°C can make sightseeing and outdoor activities difficult, potentially encouraging tourists to shift their holidays towards spring or autumn.

Such a change could affect traditional summer tourism patterns in southern Europe while creating opportunities for cooler destinations in northern Europe.

Workers Lose Productive Hours

Extreme heat is also affecting labour productivity.

Construction workers, agricultural labourers, logistics employees and others who work outdoors face particularly difficult conditions. Businesses may need to introduce longer breaks or shorter working hours during the hottest part of the day.

Farmers in parts of Europe have already adjusted their schedules to work during cooler early-morning hours.

While such measures allow operations to continue, they can increase labour and operating costs. Across the broader economy, fewer productive working hours can translate into lower overall output.

Wildfires Add Economic Costs

Drought and high temperatures have also increased wildfire risks across southern Europe.

Spain has been among the countries badly affected, with large areas damaged by fires, according to EU Copernicus monitoring.

Wildfires create immediate costs through firefighting, evacuations and emergency response. They also cause longer-term damage to homes, farms, forests and infrastructure.

Transport and tourism can be disrupted, while governments and insurers face additional financial liabilities.

For European governments already dealing with pressure on public finances, repeated climate-related emergencies could mean higher spending at a time when budgets are also being stretched by defence, energy security and the green transition.

€180 Billion Warning

The estimated €180-billion economic impact highlights how extreme weather can develop into a broader macroeconomic problem.

Lower labour productivity is expected to account for a significant share of the economic losses, followed by agriculture, energy and transport.

The costs could continue even after temperatures return to normal.

Businesses may have to invest in cooling systems, alternative transport arrangements and climate-resilient infrastructure. Governments may need to strengthen power grids, water networks and emergency-response systems, while farmers could require new irrigation methods and more heat-resistant crops.

The European Commission has estimated that EU countries may need to spend around €70 billion annually through 2050 on climate adaptation.

Europe Faces a Long-Term Challenge

The summer heatwave has demonstrated how extreme weather can trigger disruptions across several parts of an economy simultaneously.

Low water levels are affecting the Rhine and Danube. Nuclear plants face cooling constraints. Electricity demand is rising. Farmers are confronting crop stress. Workers are losing productive hours, while wildfires are increasing costs for governments, insurers and businesses.

Ultimately, these pressures can reach consumers through higher food, energy and transport costs.

For Europe, the challenge is no longer simply dealing with individual days of extreme heat. It is preparing infrastructure, businesses and public finances for a climate in which heatwaves, drought and wildfires could become more frequent and economically disruptive.

The summer of 2026 is therefore emerging as a warning that a climate shock can begin with temperatures and rainfall but eventually affect economic growth, prices, industrial production and household budgets.

Germany has approved funding for the purchase of 50,000 attack drones for Ukraine under a contract valued at approximately $103 million (€90 million), marking one of the largest known drone procurement packages financed by a Western government since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The drones are expected to strengthen Ukraine's precision strike capabilities as Kyiv continues to rely heavily on unmanned aerial systems to target Russian military positions, logistics hubs and strategic infrastructure.

The latest assistance underscores Germany's continued military support for Ukraine amid the prolonged conflict with Russia.

FPV Drones to Boost Battlefield Capability

According to reports, the order includes Shrike first-person-view (FPV) drones manufactured by Ukrainian defence company SkyFall.

The drones are integrated with software developed by US defence technology firm Auterion, enabling them to autonomously identify, track and strike moving targets during the final phase of flight.

Ukraine has increasingly incorporated FPV drones into its military operations because of their relatively low cost and ability to conduct highly accurate attacks against enemy positions.

Deliveries Already Underway

Auterion Chief Executive Officer Lorenz Meier confirmed that the contract is worth around €90 million ($103 million) and is being financed by a European country. SkyFall later identified Germany as the funding partner while declining to provide additional details.

According to Meier, a portion of the drones has already been delivered to the Ukrainian government, with the remaining units scheduled for delivery later this year.

Germany's Defence Ministry declined to comment on the programme, citing operational security. Ukraine's Defence Ministry has also not issued an official statement regarding the procurement.

Western Drone Support Expands

Auterion said it is helping supply a total of 100,000 drones to Ukraine during 2026 through partnerships with multiple manufacturers under contracts funded by several Western governments.

The company also highlighted a separate $50 million Pentagon contract under which 33,000 drones have already been delivered.

The expanding drone support reflects the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare, particularly in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Drones Central to Ukraine's Defence Strategy

Since the outbreak of the war, Ukraine has significantly expanded domestic drone production and now deploys thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles every day along the front line and for long-range operations inside Russian territory.

The Shrike platform has also gained international recognition. A variant known as the Shrike 10-F, jointly developed by SkyFall and British company Skycutter, recently emerged as the top performer in the first phase of a Pentagon programme worth $1.1 billion aimed at acquiring large numbers of one-way attack drones.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has also increased military assistance, announcing plans to provide 150,000 drones to Ukraine this year under a broader £752 million ($1.01 billion) defence support package.

Long-Range Operations Intensify

Ukraine has continued expanding its long-range drone campaign against Russia, targeting military installations and strategic infrastructure far beyond the battlefield.

Recent Ukrainian operations have reportedly included strikes on the Dubna Satellite Communications Centre, a facility Kyiv says supports Russian military communications and intelligence operations.

Ukraine has also claimed responsibility for attacks targeting maritime logistics and infrastructure around the Sea of Azov, highlighting the growing role of drone warfare as Western military assistance continues to evolve.

Kujur finished second in the final behind South Africa's R. Mlenga, who won the race with a time of 10.03 seconds. Despite narrowly missing the top spot, the Indian sprinter's timing attracted significant attention as it improved his own record for the fastest 100m run by an Indian athlete outside the country.

The performance also places Kujur among the fastest Indian sprinters in history. His 10.14-second run is now the second-fastest legal time ever recorded by an Indian in the men's 100m event. Only Gurindervir Singh's national record of 10.09 seconds, set earlier this year at the Federation Cup in Ranchi, remains ahead of him.

Indian sprinting has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent months. During the Federation Cup in May, the national record changed hands multiple times within a span of 24 hours. Gurindervir Singh initially improved the mark with a run of 10.17 seconds, surpassing Kujur's previous best. Kujur responded almost immediately by clocking 10.15 seconds. The following day, Gurindervir raised the bar again with a record-breaking 10.09-second effort.

That sequence highlighted the growing competitiveness within Indian sprinting, a discipline that has historically struggled to match international standards. Kujur's latest achievement in Germany further strengthens the belief that Indian athletes are steadily narrowing the gap with global competitors.

The athlete from Chhattisgarh has been one of India's most consistent performers over the last two seasons. Known for his explosive starts and strong acceleration phase, he has steadily reduced his race timings through dedicated training and exposure to international competitions.

His latest performance comes at an important stage of the athletics calendar, with preparations underway for major multi-sport events. Kujur has already secured a place in India's squad for the 100m and 200m events at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Following the competition in Germany, he is expected to join the Indian athletics team's training camp in Spala, Poland, before heading to Glasgow for the Games.

Athletics experts believe regular participation in high-level European meets is helping Indian sprinters gain valuable experience against stronger fields. Competing against international athletes not only improves race temperament but also exposes runners to faster conditions and higher competitive standards.

While Kujur's 10.14-second run did not break the national record, it underlined his growing consistency and ability to deliver on the international stage. The result also adds momentum to India's sprinting programme at a time when the country is seeking greater success in track events beyond its traditional strengths in field disciplines.

The world record in the men's 100m remains 9.58 seconds, set by Jamaican legend Usain Bolt at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin. Although Indian sprinters still have ground to cover before reaching those levels, performances from athletes such as Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir Singh suggest that the country's sprinting standards are moving in a positive direction.

With the Commonwealth Games approaching and several major international competitions on the horizon, Indian athletics will be watching closely to see whether Kujur can continue his rapid progression and challenge for even faster times in the months ahead.