European defense companies and industrial leaders are facing an escalating campaign of sabotage and intimidation linked to Russian intelligence operations. Intelligence services and security officials report that these efforts, which include planned assassinations and arson, are designed to disrupt support for Ukraine and deter private companies from engaging in the defense sector.
Thwarted Assassination of Rheinmetall CEO
In April 2024, German security services successfully intercepted a plot to assassinate Armin Papperger, the chief executive of the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. According to reports from the Belgian outlet La Libre, U.S. intelligence agencies alerted German authorities in time to prevent the attack. James Appathurai, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber, told Politico at the time that Russian actors have increasingly recruited criminal gangs, young individuals, and manipulated migrants to carry out such hybrid operations.
Targeted Threats Against Defense Executives
The campaign extends beyond high-profile defense giants. In December 2025, Stefan Thumann, the head of the Bavarian SME Donaustahl, which develops drones for the Ukrainian military, was warned by German authorities of a specific threat against his life. Thumann confirmed to the Agence France-Presse (AFP) that officials provided concrete intelligence that a Russian-backed assassination attempt was being planned against him.
Sabotage of Industrial Infrastructure
Industrial sites linked to the Ukrainian war effort have also become primary targets for state-sponsored sabotage. In late September 2024, Estonian officials accused Russian special services of orchestrating an arson attack on the premises of a company specializing in terrestrial drones in Tallinn. That same month, a drone was used in an attempt to trigger an explosion on a Ukrainian transport plane located in Leipzig, Germany.
Psychological Warfare and Rising Security Costs
Security analysts cited by the Financial Times note a significant surge in demand for protection from companies involved in defense, energy, and critical infrastructure. While larger corporations can absorb the costs of enhanced security, smaller firms face severe financial strain in protecting their personnel and facilities.
The primary objective of these actions is psychological rather than purely strategic. As one official noted to the Financial Times, the Russian strategy aims to create a climate of fear, forcing individuals and business leaders to hesitate before doing business with Ukraine. Intelligence agencies in Germany have responded by urging domestic defense companies to engage private security firms to mitigate the risk of further attacks.
Security Risks and Industry Responses
Why are defense companies being targeted?
The operations are intended to disrupt the supply of weapons and technology to Ukraine by intimidating the leadership and employees of involved firms. By fostering a climate of fear, Russian intelligence seeks to discourage private sector cooperation with the Ukrainian government.
Are these threats limited to Germany?
No, the threat is transnational. While significant incidents have occurred in Germany, authorities in Estonia have also reported direct sabotage by Russian special services against drone manufacturers operating within their borders.
What is the current guidance for at-risk firms?
German intelligence services have advised companies in the defense sector to bolster their internal security measures and retain private protection teams to safeguard their leadership and physical assets against potential hybrid threats.