Britain’s defence firms which supply weapons to Ukraine are warned of Russian spy threat
Bosses of UK defence firms supplying weapons and drones to Ukraine have been warned that they and their staff face an elevated risk of being targeted by Russian intelligence. The warning was delivered by senior government officials during a roundtable meeting with defence company chief executives earlier in the summer, reflecting growing concern that Russia now views anyone involved in supporting Ukraine's war effort as a legitimate target.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office meeting followed foiled Russian assassination plots against the bosses of two German defence firms, including Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger, whose company holds a £4.2 billion contract to supply artillery shells to Ukraine. British firms thought to be affected include Ukrspecsystems, a drone maker based near RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, BAE Systems subsidiary Callen-Lenz, which supplies drones used to strike Russian oil refineries, and MBDA, maker of the Storm Shadow missiles. A security expert from the Atlantic Council said defence industry leaders in the UK and Europe are increasingly focused on their own safety and that of their facilities.
- UK defence firm bosses warned of Russian spy threat over Ukraine arms supplies
- Warning followed foiled Russian plots against German defence executives
- Ukrspecsystems, Callen-Lenz and MBDA named among firms at risk
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The UK and other European countries have supplied Ukraine with weapons and equipment since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The companies that make or maintain these supplies include large arms manufacturers and smaller firms specialising in drones.
Russia’s military intelligence services are accused by Western governments of carrying out covert operations abroad, including plots against people connected to the defence industry. Such cases have raised concern that company leaders, staff and facilities involved in supplying Ukraine could face security risks.
The issue matters because these firms help provide equipment Ukraine uses in the war, while also supporting jobs and military supply chains in Britain. Protecting their people and sites is therefore a concern for both the companies and the government.