German firms warn of looming crisis from hybrid attacks

A Bitkom survey of 1,003 German companies with at least ten employees found that 87 % consider a serious crisis from hybrid attacks likely, 18 % view it as extremely likely, while only 33 % believe Germany is well prepared for cyber threats.

The risk was illustrated on 5 August when security forces at Leipzig/Halle Airport intercepted a drone carrying Semtex explosives near a Ukrainian Antonov AN‑124 cargo plane, forcing a temporary flight halt and a diversion to Nürnberg. A second drone later collided with a cargo aircraft, causing minor damage. The German Federal Interior Minister said foreign‑state involvement could not be ruled out. Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst said, "We must massively increase the resilience of the economy, state and society – as quickly as possible."