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Liebherr-Aerospace, Supplier to German Bundeswehr, Suspends Worker Over Russian and Far-Right Links
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Liebherr, a key supplier of heavy equipment and machinery to the German Bundeswehr, has placed an employee on leave following reports of his connections to Russia and alleged involvement with far-right groups, German outlet Stuttgarter Zeitung reported on August 12.
The employee, who worked for Liebherr-Aerospace in the Allgäu region, is under investigation after an article in a local newspaper raised questions about his ties to Russia and his potential association with the far-right "Reichsbürger " movement.
The company has stated that it takes the situation seriously and is conducting internal investigations into the matter.
Liebherr-Aerospace, which develops and manufactures systems for the military aviation industry, had only learned of the employee’s connections through the media inquiry. According to the statement, the company was unaware of his links to Russian-affiliated groups and his involvement in the Reichsbürger scene.
The employee, a long-standing member of the Liebherr team, had visited the Russian embassy in Berlin at the end of July, as reported in the article. He was also photographed behind two Russian flags featuring the “Z” symbol, which has become associated with support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Additionally, the man was seen with members of the “Druschba” movement, a group known for pro-Russian propaganda and mentioned in Germany’s 2024 domestic intelligence report under the category of right-wing extremism. The employee claimed that his visit to the Russian embassy was for “cultural exchange,” Stuttgarter Zeitung claims.
The Bavarian Office for the Protection of the Constitution noted that certain areas of work in defense companies require security screening. Employees in these sectors must undergo regular legal security checks, especially those with access to classified government materials.
However, Liebherr-Aerospace clarified that the company is not involved in any classified projects and, under the German Security Clearance Act (SÜG), does not require mandatory security checks for its employees.
The company further stated that all potential employees undergo a “sanctions monitor” check, employment contracts include confidentiality agreements, and all staff receive training on handling confidential data. The employee in question had no access to strategic or security-relevant information, according to Liebherr.
Earlier, it was reported that German defense giant Rheinmetall has announced plans to double its 155mm artillery shell production capacity at its plant in Ukraine, which is still under construction, according to the German Aid to Ukraine project report.
