Germany Prepares for a New Reality as Intelligence Services Warn of Sabotage and Assassination Risks

Germany is gradually moving toward a heightened internal-security posture. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, German intelligence services are warning not only about cyberattacks and industrial espionage, but also about possible acts of sabotage targeting defence companies and even deliberate attacks against their senior executives.

According to several German media reports, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, or BfV, has advised companies in the defence industry to strengthen their security arrangements considerably. German authorities fear that businesses producing weapons and military equipment for Ukraine could become targets of intelligence operations, sabotage and other forms of hybrid activity.

The potential threat is believed to extend beyond factories and research centres. Senior managers and company executives could also become targets.

A list published by Moscow raises concern in Berlin

German authorities have paid particular attention to a list published by the Russian Defence Ministry naming European companies allegedly involved in producing drones for Ukraine. Several German firms are reportedly included.

Following the publication of the list, the BfV reportedly concluded that the risk of intelligence-gathering and sabotage operations against these businesses had increased significantly. The agency advised companies to strengthen physical security, cybersecurity, access controls and the protection of sensitive information.

Employees have also been urged to remain vigilant regarding recruitment attempts, suspicious contacts and unusual requests for information about internal company activities.

A growing number of suspicious incidents

These warnings are not an isolated development. In recent years, Germany has investigated suspicious fires, alleged acts of sabotage, espionage operations and repeated drone flights over strategic sites.

One of the most striking incidents involved the discovery of metal shavings inside the propulsion system of the German naval corvette Emden while the vessel was still under construction. Investigators considered the possibility that the incident was an act of sabotage capable of causing serious damage to the ship.

European security agencies have also examined a series of parcel fires at logistics centres. These incidents are being investigated as possible elements of a coordinated campaign targeting transport and supply infrastructure across Europe.

The Rheinmetall precedent

One of the most serious cases concerns Armin Papperger, chief executive of the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall.

Western media previously reported that US and German intelligence services had disrupted an alleged plot to assassinate him. Rheinmetall plays a central role in producing ammunition, armoured vehicles and military equipment supplied to Ukraine.

Moscow rejected the accusations that it was involved in planning such an attack. In Germany, however, the case reinforced the view that senior figures in the defence industry must now be treated as potential targets.

Berlin raises its level of vigilance

The German government has announced a broader strengthening of security measures in response to the growing threat from hybrid operations. Officials describe an environment in which the lines between espionage, cyberattacks, industrial sabotage and political intimidation are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish.

At the same time, Germany is deepening its military cooperation with European partners, particularly France. Berlin is seeking to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities while improving protection for strategic infrastructure, defence companies and critical supply chains.

A new phase for European security

Only a few years ago, scenarios involving industrial sabotage or targeted assassinations appeared exceptional. German security agencies now treat them as credible risks.

Germany is therefore adapting its security system to a prolonged period of geopolitical confrontation. Defence companies are no longer viewed merely as economic actors. They have become essential components of national security—and, as a result, possible targets in a hybrid conflict extending far beyond the battlefield in Ukraine.