The German Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) has published its 2024 report, warning of increased espionage activity by Russian intelligence services. The document states that Moscow is actively seeking data on the Bundeswehr, especially after the start of the war against Ukraine and Germany’s strengthened support for Ukraine.
This information comes from the Report of the Military Counterintelligence Service.
Counterintelligence notes that Russia is seeking information on the size of German forces, weapon systems, command structures, and decisions regarding troop deployments. Particular interest focuses on weapons deliveries to Ukraine and the deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania, making the Bundeswehr a key target for foreign intelligence services.
MAD Director Martina Rosenberg emphasized that the best defense against espionage is vigilance toward threats and timely reporting to competent authorities.
The report also highlights a rise in hybrid threats. Foreign intelligence services are using not only classical espionage but also influence operations, information campaigns, and covert methods of obtaining data.
Another key focus for MAD remains combating extremism within the armed forces. Counterintelligence asserts that there is no place for radicals of any kind in the Bundeswehr and that preventive measures help identify risks related to extremist organizations and individuals in a timely manner.
In 2024, MAD significantly increased security checks for military personnel, conducting over 60,000 inspections—both at recruitment and when granting access to classified information. According to the agency, this is a crucial measure to protect the Bundeswehr from infiltration by potentially dangerous individuals.
The report emphasizes that in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, information security requirements have sharply increased, and counterintelligence work has become critically important for Germany’s security.
