Foreign intelligence services are increasingly showing interest in strategic research conducted in Bavaria in the fields of aviation, astronautics, unmanned aerial vehicles, and artificial intelligence. This was warned by the Bavarian branch of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).
According to the statement from the Bavarian State Office for the Protection of the Constitution (LfV), the region remains one of the leading high-tech centers in Germany and Europe. It hosts key companies and research institutions working on aerospace developments, including Airbus Defence and Space in Ottobrunn, DLR research centers, and numerous startups in the fields of AI and drones.
“We are observing a rise in attempts at foreign espionage targeting sensitive technologies. Projects related to unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence, which have dual-use potential, are particularly vulnerable,” the agency noted.
Experts link the heightened interest to geopolitical tensions and the desire of several countries (primarily strategic competitors) to gain access to advanced German developments without significant investment of their own. Methods may include cyberattacks, recruitment of employees, and the use of “legal” channels such as scientific conferences, joint projects, and industrial espionage.
In recent months, Bavaria has already recorded incidents involving unidentified drones flying over military sites, particularly in the areas of Manching and Neuburg an der Donau, which has heightened security concerns.
The BfV urges companies and research institutions to strengthen protective measures: conduct regular employee screenings, secure digital infrastructure, and exercise greater caution in international partnerships. The agency offers consultations on preventing espionage.
Bavaria traditionally leads Germany in investment in research and development in the aerospace sector. According to state authorities, the region is home to a significant number of highly qualified specialists and patents in the field of autonomous systems and AI.