Germany Warns of Hybrid Attacks Before Elections

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has warned that Berlin must be prepared for potential hybrid attacks from Russia, especially in the lead-up to the country’s snap federal elections. Hybrid attacks are complex cyber-assaults involving multiple methods to infiltrate and disrupt target systems. Pistorius emphasized that Russia’s strategy could include cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and efforts to divide German society, which might be used to influence political outcomes.

Pistorius pointed out that Putin’s government is focused on weakening Germany, using strategies that could target critical infrastructure and energy supply systems. He highlighted that the Kremlin has been involved in activities in the North and Baltic Seas that could undermine Germany’s security. The defense minister also expressed concern about social media manipulation, where Russian-backed actors could spread divisive narratives that benefit far-right and populist movements, such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW).

Although there is no immediate military threat from Russia, Pistorius warned that Putin’s rearmament program could give Russia the ability to challenge NATO by 2030. The defense minister highlighted the rapid military production in Russia, which now outpaces the European Union in terms of weapons and ammunition production. This growing military capability could test NATO’s unity in the coming years, and Germany’s defense plans are being updated accordingly to address these evolving challenges.

In response to the threat, Germany is significantly ramping up its military spending, with new projects worth billions launched this year. The German government plans to expand its military forces, including increasing the army’s size and expanding its naval fleet. However, Pistorius acknowledged that rebuilding Germany’s defense sector, which suffered from decades of underfunding, would take time, requiring several years for the production of new weapons and military assets. Despite these challenges, Pistorius’ leadership in defense matters has received high public support, with many Germans seeing him as an influential figure in shaping the country’s security policies.

References

• Germany Prepares for Hybrid Attacks Ahead of Elections