German intelligence warns of espionage and sabotage targeting defence industry

German authorities have reported multiple espionage cases involving suspected Russian spies targeting defence companies, including drone manufacturers.

Two suspected spies were arrested in mid-March for allegedly passing secret information to Russia.

A Ukrainian national was also arrested at the end of March on espionage charges related to intelligence gathering for Russia.

The Federal Public Prosecutor General has accused the suspects of collecting information both on-site and online on behalf of the Russian secret service.

The Ukrainian national's activities reportedly involved gathering intelligence on a former fighter in Ukraine, potentially to prepare further operations in Germany.

In January, a businessman from Nuremberg was arrested for allegedly supplying underwater espionage technology to Russia through an international network.

This technology originated in Germany but was transferred via companies across Europe.

These arrests are part of a broader pattern of security concerns.

According to a confidential report from the Federal Criminal Police Office, 321 suspected sabotage cases were registered in 2025.

Sabotage incidents were particularly frequent in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony.

The German defence industry is responding to these threats by relocating or repositioning production facilities.

For example, Rheinmetall is expanding its operations, and the Pierburg plant in Berlin is shifting from car parts to manufacturing artillery ammunition.

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