Estonia’s intelligence chief warns: Russia targets European arms companies through sabotage and cyberattacks

Russia is carrying out “clearly systematic” acts of sabotage and cyberattacks in Europe, increasingly targeting companies in the arms industry, Margo Palloson, head of Estonia’s Internal Security Service (KAPO), told broadcaster ETV on Wednesday.

According to the Estonian official, Moscow’s objective is to prevent the delivery to Ukraine of military equipment produced by European companies. The targets are no longer merely symbolic sites, but companies that develop or supply technology and weapons to support Ukraine.

Palloson said that in recent years, Estonian services have thwarted a significant number of sabotage attempts and attacks attributed to Russia. The threat level has remained consistently high over the past three years, but the risks have increased as incidents involving explosives have intensified.

The official mentioned the foiled attempted attack on Leipzig Airport in Germany, in which a drone loaded with explosives was allegedly used. On Tuesday, Estonia accused Russia of being behind an arson attack on the defense company Milrem Robotics, an accusation rejected by Moscow.

KAPO recommends that companies in the sector strengthen their cyber defenses.