From drones to disinformation: Germany faces an increasing hybrid war from Russia
Germany is facing a rising wave of hybrid attacks from Russia, including drone strikes, infrastructure sabotage, and disinformation campaigns, prompting security agencies to bolster their defenses and respond to increasingly complex threats.
Colonel Sonki Maharens, a military strategist, explained that hybrid attacks erase the boundaries between conventional warfare and sabotage. For example, in January, metal chips were deliberately thrown into the gears of the frigate Emden, temporarily disabling it, highlighting the precise and dangerous nature of these operations.
European authorities have warned of the increasing hybrid attacks on the continent. Silke Willems from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution described the current situation as unprecedented, citing cyber attacks, evasion of sanctions, and arson as examples of a sophisticated disruption campaign.
German security agencies are struggling to identify the perpetrators, as operations often fall into a gray area between criminal acts and state-sponsored operations. Holger Münch, head of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), revealed that many low-level perpetrators, who are recruited through platforms like Telegram, are young people with criminal records and often do not know who is behind these attacks.
In response, Germany has expanded its cyber defense capabilities and granted the Bundeswehr the authority to shoot down drones within the country. It plans to establish additional police units to deal with drones. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized that Germany will actively defend itself, disrupt attacks, and strengthen the resilience of society against disinformation and hybrid threats.