Germany faces a markedly increased risk of espionage and sabotage, according to a recently released annual report from the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD). The 2024 report, published Tuesday, paints a concerning picture of escalating foreign intelligence activity targeting German military infrastructure, logistical hubs and personnel.
The report identifies Germany’s role as a critical logistical artery for NATO troop movements, coupled with Berlin’s robust support for Ukraine – including training and weapons deliveries – and the deployment of a brigade in Lithuania, as primary drivers of this heightened threat. These factors have placed Germany firmly within the crosshairs of foreign intelligence agencies.
The report details a pattern of increasingly audacious activities, moving beyond mere reconnaissance flights over military installations. Instances of suspected sabotage have been directly linked to Bundeswehr assets, including allegations of tampering with water supply facilities on military bases and repeated acts of disruption affecting naval vessels. The potential for deliberate sabotage impacting critical infrastructure remains a significant vulnerability.
MAD President Martina Rosenberg underscored the need for vigilance, stating, “The best protection against espionage is to take this threat seriously, respond to signs of danger and promptly inform the relevant authorities”. This call for heightened awareness reflects a shift in MAD’s assessment, emphasizing proactive defense rather than reactive response.
Beyond traditional espionage, the report also highlights the persistent challenge of domestic extremism. MAD reports a second consecutive year of rising numbers of individuals flagged for suspected extremist affiliations. The service documented an increase in case openings, with 524 new investigations initiated in 2024 – a notable rise from 483 in 2023, split between 302 preventative operations and 222 investigative probes. This concurrent rise in both foreign intelligence threats and domestic extremism presents a complex and demanding environment for German security services, raising questions regarding resource allocation and strategic priorities within the MAD and broader intelligence apparatus. Critics argue that the escalating threats necessitate a more robust and transparent review of existing security protocols and a reassessment of Germany’s increasingly prominent role within the evolving geopolitical landscape.