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Russia Launches Manhunt for Europe’s Top Defense Executives, FT Reports
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Russia is reportedly targeting senior executives and key employees of European defense companies for assassination, as Moscow expands covert operations aimed at intimidating arms manufacturers and disrupting military support for Ukraine.
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According to the Financial Times on October 11, intelligence officials from five European countries warned that Russian intelligence agencies are increasingly targeting personnel at both major defense manufacturers and smaller companies, particularly those producing drones and military equipment for Ukraine.
European intelligence services have already identified and disrupted several suspected Russian operations, including cases involving surveillance of potential targets near their homes and workplaces.
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Officials believe Russia’s military intelligence agency, commonly known as the GRU, is coordinating much of the activity. Russian operatives are reportedly working with organized criminal networks, recruiting local intermediaries, and distributing assignments among individuals operating across different countries.
The use of criminal organizations allows Russian intelligence services to conduct operations through intermediaries while making it more difficult for investigators to establish direct connections to Moscow.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has increased its engagement with defense companies in response to the threat. Executives and employees have been advised to strengthen security arrangements, including hiring private protection.
BfV President Sinan Selen has warned German lawmakers that Russia is deliberately planning violent attacks against individuals, with organized criminal groups playing an increasingly prominent role in such operations.
Several defense industry executives told the Financial Times that they had increased personal security over the past six months following warnings from intelligence services. Others have introduced additional protective measures when traveling internationally.
The growing security requirements are also creating financial challenges for defense manufacturers. Smaller companies and startups face potentially significant expenses associated with protecting employees, facilities, and sensitive operations.
According to the FT, one defense company relocated its production operations to another part of Western Europe because of threats attributed to Russia.
European intelligence officials believe the reported assassination plots are intended not only to eliminate specific individuals but also to intimidate the wider defense industry.
By making executives and employees fear becoming targets, Moscow reportedly hopes to discourage European manufacturers from supplying weapons, drones, and military technologies to Ukraine.
The Financial Times also reported that some suspected Russian operatives have demonstrated limited operational capabilities, allowing European security services to detect surveillance activities and prevent planned attacks.
The reported threats follow an earlier Russian plot to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall. In January 2025, NATO confirmed that US and German intelligence agencies had thwarted the assassination plan, which was reportedly part of a broader campaign targeting European defense industry leaders supplying Ukraine.
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-80134f2dc17b4a887d01513a1c7bc929.png "Illustration of Russian military infrastructure targeted by Ukrainian strikes in temporarily occupied eastern Ukraine. (Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine)")
