The German defense industry is facing increasing threats

The German arms industry wants to ensure the country's security. However, she increasingly seems to be forced into self-defense because she finds herself in the crosshairs of sabotage, threats and even attacks. The latest example from Munich: On Thursday, the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office announced that incendiary devices had been thrown from a car at a building complex in the Berg am Laim district during the night. The company affected was Rohde & Schwarz, a leading technology manufacturer whose products are used in aerospace, defense and security. Europe's most valuable arms start-up Helsing is also located in the neighborhood.

Arrest warrants were issued against two Bulgarians on Friday. No significant damage has been caused, and yet the impression that the threat is growing is growing. Bavaria's Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) supports the scenario. It is not the first time that technology companies with a proximity to the security and defense industry have been targeted, said the politician and announced “further costly security precautions”.

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The greater Munich area is particularly in focus. Nowhere else have so many young defense companies emerged in recent years as in the Bavarian capital. Many of these start-ups are currently setting up their own production facilities for drones or land vehicles in the surrounding area. There are usually no large company signs on the factories and anonymity is desired. There are also traditional industry representatives who are already based here. Protecting them all effectively against new threats is a gigantic challenge.

The Federal Association of German Industry (BDI) in Berlin has been alarmed for a long time. “The security authorities have been pointing out a heightened threat situation for some time and are in close contact with the companies affected,” it says. “The security and defense industry in particular is increasingly coming into focus.” The attempted attack at Leipzig Airport and the clear attribution by the federal government made the seriousness of the situation clear. The BDI supports close exchange between companies, departments and security authorities. “As a founding partner of the Economic Protection Initiative, we bring the perspective of business into this exchange and inform our members about current developments.” In specific risk situations, affected companies are contacted directly by the responsible security authorities. Without the state, according to the BDI, companies would not be able to protect themselves effectively.

Naturally, those affected do not like to be specific about the topic. “Basically, we see that the security situation for companies in the defense industry has changed significantly in recent years,” says technology specialist Hensoldt from Taufkirchen near Munich. In addition to classic risks, hybrid threats such as sabotage, cyber attacks, espionage and targeted disruptive actions are becoming increasingly important. Hensoldt's decisive answer: "We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by such incidents. Our task is to contribute to the security and defense capability of Germany and its allies - and we will continue to fulfill this task with concentration and responsibility."

Espionage and drones at the tank manufacturer KNDS

The tank manufacturer KNDS is also aware of the growing threat. “As a defense contractor, we already have strong efforts to protect our assets, but the number of incidents – from drones to acts of espionage – is increasing, which is why we continue to strengthen our security measures.” A spokesman for Airbus Defense, which is based next to Hensoldt in Taufkirchen, reports close communication with the authorities.

Not only companies, but also individuals are coming into focus. Armin Papperger, the CEO of Germany's largest arms company Rheinmetall, has long lived with conditions. He has the same security level as the Chancellor. Nevertheless, activists were able to get surprisingly close to him during a panel discussion at the Hanover Trade Fair in the spring. In this case, the group turned out to be harmless rowdies whose freedom of expression Papperger promised to continue to defend. A good two years ago, however, plans to attack the manager became known. Western secret services had warned of an action controlled from abroad.

Arms managers generally don't talk openly about personal threats. The exception is Stefan Thumann. The 39-year-old Bavarian founded Donaustahl around six years ago, which has developed from a provider of sports shooting accessories to a drone supplier for Ukraine. At the end of last year, the security authorities gave Thumann a threat warning, as they say in official German. The entrepreneur immediately left his family and house and has been living in secret places ever since. Thumann communicates with the outside world primarily via the Linkedin platform, and his sometimes special posts have cult status there.

This is all known because Thumann decided months ago to make his situation known through the Bertelsmann media. After major appearances in “Stern” and RTL, the podcast by “Bild” reporter Paul Ronzheimer followed. This guarantees maximum attention. Thumann tells his version of how he was targeted by the Russian secret service because of his involvement with Ukraine, poison attack plans and his life underground. Particularly striking are statements such as that he has become one of the greatest threats to the Putin regime; that Thumann would not give up an inch. And his direct message to Putin: “The game is only over when one of us dies.”

When arms managers have to go into hiding

Such comments meet with a mixed response even within the industry. What is undisputed, however, are the experiences about the burden of the threat and life beyond the public eye. “We are paying a high price,” says another arms manager, whose freedom of movement is also restricted. He doesn't want to read his name in the newspaper.

He describes the warnings he received from the authorities as not very specific. He wonders how seriously we should take this if we don't even know where the threat supposedly comes from. This information was withheld from him. “It’s like going to the doctor: If a diagnosis is bad, then I want the doctor to say nothing.” Despite repeated requests, there is currently no police protection for himself and his company.

He also criticizes the sometimes long procedures despite obviously serious concerns. He was told that it would take four weeks to check whether his cell phone was secure. The screening of new employees, which is understandably particularly strict in the defense industry, often takes months. This is a real problem, especially for fast-growing, young companies with a high need for personnel; good people sometimes don't take part.

A representative of another start-up complains that the growing costs for personal and property protection are becoming an increasing burden, especially for young companies. One hears that the market for bodyguards at defense company locations has been completely emptied. The attacks on his company ranged across the entire spectrum, says the entrepreneur. From permanent cyber attacks to classic agent methods still known from the Cold War: Many employees are regularly in Ukraine for tests and collaboration.

For the necessary visas you have to go to the consulate in Munich. “Shortly after leaving, some were contacted by nice young women with very obvious intentions,” says the manager. Only proactive education among the workforce can help.