MAD warns that Germany faces a growing threat from hybrid attacks and espionage, with Russia and China identified as primary targets and Germany itself a priority for Russian intelligence.

Espionage concerns cover intelligence gathering and covert operations across civilian, military, and political domains, potentially undermining national security.

The briefing is time-stamped for relevance, tied to a Tagesschau segment aired on 14 September 2026 at 22:57.

MAD highlights an increased potential for sabotage by low-level agents, while avoiding detailed figures to prevent aiding adversaries.

The report calls for heightened vigilance, stronger defense measures, and policy responses to counter hybrid threats and espionage.

Hybride Kriegsführung is defined as the combined use of conventional and unconventional tactics, information operations, cyber activity, and disinformation meant to overwhelm defenses.

Russian espionage is likely conducted under cover via embassies and semi-state networks, with news agencies implicated as part of the cover system.

China is linked to surveillance of military infrastructure, including drone overflights of Bundeswehr facilities and intrusions onto Bundeswehr property, with the Chinese diaspora used for intelligence work.

Hybrid threats in Germany are increasing and include cyberattacks, drone incidents, political influence operations, and disruptions targeting critical infrastructure like transport, energy, and telecoms.

There is concern about German military personnel traveling abroad to Russia and Belarus, exposing them to blackmail and pressure from security services.

MAD’s annual report notes Germany’s geostrategic position in Europe and NATO, the expansion of the Bundeswehr, and new weapons systems as factors attracting Russian intelligence attention.

The MAD warning signals an overall rise in hybrid warfare and espionage, highlighting a shifting threat landscape and heightened strategic focus.