European defense company executives strengthen their security due to threats from Russian special services

Stefan Thumann, head of the German drone manufacturer Donaustahl, has been under round-the-clock protection since the end of 2025, following a warning from German authorities. Donaustahl produces drones and software for Ukraine.

According to Die Zeit, the head of Donaustahl may have been under surveillance by individuals whom German authorities suspect of working for Russian intelligence. In March 2026, Sergei N. was arrested in Spain, and Alla S. in Germany. Bundestag deputy Bastian Ernst stated that the toxic substance "Novichok" might have been used for Thumann's assassination.

After the warning, Thumann made a will and arranged documents in case of death or injury. "I constantly change my place of residence; I have round-the-clock protection; my private life no longer exists I am in a duel with Russian military intelligence," the entrepreneur declared.

Similar security measures have been introduced for Armin Papperger, the head of Germany's largest defense concern, Rheinmetall.

In May 2024, he reported an arson attack on a garden shed. In July of the same year, US intelligence provided Germany with information about a presumed plan for his assassination, Reuters wrote.

Information about the plot emerged amid Rheinmetall's production expansion and increased arms supplies to Ukraine.

German security services intensified his protection after reports of the plot.

In January 2025, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary-General James Appathurai confirmed that a threat against Papperger existed as part of a broad campaign of sabotage against defense company executives. Papperger is accompanied by security during public events and trips. Papperger stated in an interview with DPA: "The work must be done, and whoever breaks down should not hold such a position."

Specific routes and locations of the Rheinmetall head are kept secret, and security measures around his home have also been reinforced.

Another incident occurred in Sweden near the country house of Mikael Johansson, CEO of the defense company Saab.

In early August 2026, a Russian couple with Spanish residency permits — Tatyana Milenina and Semyon Rusanov — pitched a tent 50 meters from Johansson's property. The couple was noticed by his security personnel after the woman asked if they could fish from the pier. Due to the lack of mobile connection, they also had radio transceivers.

Security called the police, and the couple was detained. Swedish authorities demanded that the couple leave the country. Police initiated an investigation on suspicion of trespassing and preparing for theft. The couple denied any connection to intelligence services and stated that they oppose Vladimir Putin and the war. After the incident, plainclothes police continued to operate near Johansson's property.

According to Elisabeth Braw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, pressure on executives can be a way to influence not only individuals but also company decisions. "If defense executives can be intimidated to the point where they stop dealing with Ukraine or refuse to produce weapons, that's a victory for the Kremlin," Braw writes.

• 2
• 0
• 0
• 0
• 1
• 0
• 3
• 0