©Alexey Larionov via Unsplash
Security for Armin Papperger, the CEO of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, has been stepped up to the same level as that of the German chancellor. The 63-year-old CEO is escorted day and night by German government bodyguards, even at the headquarters in Düsseldorf. He confirmed this in an interview with the German news agency DPA.
The measures are a response to specific threats. According to U.S. security sources, Russia is said to have plotted to assassinate Papperger. Berlin received a warning about this in 2024. He has been under police protection since 2022. Recently, incidents near his home have also been reported. For example, his garden shed was set on fire, and demonstrations took place in front of his house. Despite the pressure, Papperger says that he will not back down. “This work simply has to be done. Anyone who can’t handle the pressure doesn’t belong in this position,” said the top executive, who, according to DPA, refuses to be intimidated. He emphasizes that the German government is protecting him “as much as humanly possible,” but acknowledges that in a different position, he would face a lower threat level.
Russians target arms industry that supplies Ukraine
The risks, incidentally, extend beyond Papperger alone. The German domestic intelligence service (BfV) recently warned the defense industry of an increased risk of Russian espionage and sabotage. In a sector-wide security memo, the agency states that attacks on employees—particularly senior managers— “cannot be ruled out.” The BfV cites, among other things, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the central role of German suppliers in arming Kyiv. Rheinmetall is one of the largest suppliers of weapons systems to Ukraine, ranging from artillery shells to armored vehicles. This position makes the company and its leadership a target, according to the warning. Employees are advised to be cautious with personal data, including on social media, and to exercise extra caution when traveling, especially to countries with an increased risk of eavesdropping and hacking. Papperger himself is now under a security protocol comparable to that of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He remains at the helm.
©Alexey Larionov via Unsplash - illustrative image