BND Director Advocates Stronger Measures Against Hybrid Threats at Munich Security Conference

At the Munich Security Conference, the head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), Martin Jäger, addressed the increasing challenge posed by hybrid warfare tactics, particularly those attributed to Russia. He stressed the need for Germany and European Union member states to consider more assertive countermeasures in response to operations designed to undermine democracies and destabilize societies.

Hybrid warfare encompasses a range of actions, including disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks, sabotage, and covert operations. These activities are intended to create uncertainty, erode public trust, and exploit vulnerabilities within democratic systems. According to Jäger, the current response from Germany and its European partners has not matched the scale or sophistication of these threats, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing deterrence strategies.

The BND director outlined the scale of the challenge by highlighting the substantial resources available to Russia's intelligence apparatus. He estimated that up to 60,000 intelligence operatives are deployed globally by Russia, not including additional support from former military personnel, facilitators, and other proxies. Recent data from German authorities indicated that, in 2025 alone, over 3,000 suspected sabotage cases and more than 2,000 drone-related incidents were recorded, with Russian involvement suspected in many of these occurrences.

Jäger emphasized the need for a comprehensive, state-level approach to confronting hybrid threats. He argued that resilience against such activities begins with a clear understanding of the adversary's motives and strategies, which should be shared not just among policymakers and experts but also with the broader public. He stressed that society is often the primary target of hybrid campaigns, and public awareness is essential in recognizing that seemingly unrelated incidents may be interconnected parts of a coordinated effort to destabilize the country.

The BND head also called for intelligence services to become more operationally proactive, suggesting that passive observation and documentation may no longer suffice. He advocated for the implementation of countermeasures that would demonstrate to adversaries that their actions carry tangible consequences. This shift, he suggested, would enhance deterrence by signaling that hostile operations will be met with proportional and effective responses.

The issue of hybrid warfare has become increasingly prominent in Germany and across Europe, particularly in the context of heightened geopolitical tensions with Russia. Cyber-attacks, information manipulation, and sabotage have been identified as significant risks to national security and democratic stability. Authorities have urged greater cooperation between intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and civil society to build resilience and counter these multifaceted threats.

Experts agree that developing robust countermeasures requires both technological advancements and public engagement. Strengthening digital infrastructure, improving information-sharing, and fostering critical media literacy are seen as critical components in defending against hybrid attacks. Policymakers are also considering legislative and regulatory reforms to address these evolving security challenges more effectively.

As the security environment continues to evolve, Germany and its allies are reassessing their strategies to ensure that they can respond swiftly and effectively to hybrid operations. The call from BND leadership reflects a growing recognition that proactive and coordinated action is necessary to protect democratic institutions and maintain societal stability in the face of complex and persistent threats.