Several domestic security agencies are currently warning companies considering entering the defense industry about significant security risks, particularly those originating from Russia. According to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the agency has recently contacted numerous businesses that are contemplating increased involvement in the security sector. The BfV is currently raising awareness regarding potential espionage and sabotage attempts within the corporate sector, as well as targeting specific companies and even research and educational institutions. They are issuing continuous guidance on self-protective measures.
A notable development is the heightened emphasis on expanding espionage and sabotage protection across Germany. The relevant security agencies are now issuing targeted warnings about concrete dangers, including the possibility of state-sponsored terrorist attacks. Espionage activities are considered particularly likely at present, especially near start-ups entering the arms industry.
Regions with a strong industrial foundation are noted as being particularly susceptible to these threats. For instance, the chief constitutional security officer in North Rhine-Westphalia cautioned about considerable risks that defense companies might face in the context of hybrid warfare originating from Russia. Jürgen Kayser, head of the NRW constitutional security office, advised Capital that “anyone involved in the defense industry must be aware that they are currently at increased risk of more robust sabotage actions” stating that companies in this sector need to re-evaluate and reinforce their location security.
The situation is precarious not only for large corporations such as Rheinmetall, KNDS, or Hensoldt, but also for smaller firms looking to capitalize on the defense boom and newly launching defense divisions. Many automotive suppliers and machine builders, for example, are shifting their focus more towards defense contracting. Security sources indicate that implementing sabotage protection poses a significant challenge even for many small and medium-sized enterprises that lack considerable experience with industrial site security in a military context. Some of these companies reportedly lack the necessary resources, such as funds to strengthen their IT systems.