Intelligence agencies across multiple European countries are warning that Russia is expanding covert operations targeting senior personnel at European defense companies, including planned attacks on executives and high-ranking employees.
Western security services believe that, against the backdrop of a prolonged stalemate on the Russia-Ukraine battlefield and Moscow's desire to weaken Europe's support for Ukraine, the Kremlin is intensifying so-called "hybrid warfare" activities, extending its targets from infrastructure and cyberattacks further to personal safety.
Citing officials from intelligence agencies in five European countries, the Financial Times reported that Russian intelligence operatives are focusing on the management of European defense companies, especially small firms involved in the production of drones and related components. Some companies have already strengthened executive security measures based on recommendations from government security agencies and are reassessing protection plans for production facilities and employees.
Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has recently intensified communications with employees and management at German defense companies, even advising some individuals to consider using private security personnel. BfV head Sinan Selen previously warned that Russian state or state-controlled actors are plotting violent acts against individuals, and their methods are evolving, including the use of organized crime networks.
Defense Companies Become New Targets in Russia-Europe "Shadow War"
European security agencies point out that the primary goal of such Russian operations is not only to cause direct physical damage but also to instill fear and influence European companies' willingness to continue participating in support for Ukraine.
One European intelligence official said the threat facing Europe has expanded from property security to personnel security. Security agencies are particularly concerned about companies in the supply chain providing weapons, drone technology, and military equipment to Ukraine.
European defense companies were already on relatively high security alert. In 2024, U.S. and German intelligence agencies disclosed a potential assassination plot targeting Armin Papperger, CEO of German defense firm Rheinmetall. Papperger has long supported military aid to Ukraine and is therefore viewed by Western security services as a possible target of Russian operations.
As European countries increase defense spending, the importance of the defense industry continues to rise. French warship manufacturer Naval Group recently stated that growing European defense spending is driving more military orders.
Pressure from Russia-Europe Hybrid Warfare Continues to Escalate
The warning comes as multiple European countries continue to accuse Russia of expanding "hybrid warfare" activities. German intelligence agencies have previously said Russia is testing Europe's security architecture through cyberattacks, drone operations, and sabotage, while attempting to weaken Western support for Ukraine. Martin Jäger, head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), said Russian actions have entered a "more dangerous new phase."
Other European countries have issued similar warnings. Denmark's security and intelligence agency previously stated that Russia is planning sabotage operations against European defense companies linked to Ukraine, including attempts to recruit local individuals to help gather target information.
European intelligence agencies believe that Russia's primary method of pressure on Europe is not direct military attack but low-intensity, deniable operations designed to create uncertainty, including sabotage of critical facilities, cyberattacks, information operations, and pressure on companies supporting Ukraine.
As the threat level rises, European defense companies are increasing security spending. Some executives say they have raised their personal protection levels over the past six months based on government security agency recommendations. Some companies have even adjusted production locations to reduce potential security risks.
Security consulting firms have also noticed a rise in related demand. Claudine Fry, a London-based partner at Control Risks, said the risk of assassination targeting corporate executives has become a more prominent issue in the security field, with more companies seeking to assess risks and take proactive protective measures.
However, increased security spending also brings additional costs, especially for smaller defense startups, where the long-term burden of personnel protection, facility security, and supply chain defense could become a new operational pressure.
Security tensions between Russia and Europe are pushing Europe to reassess its defense architecture. European countries have continued to increase defense budgets and expand military production capacity in recent years. At the same time, intelligence agencies believe that as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, Russia may keep using unconventional means to influence European policy and social stability.
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