German drone boss hides over suspected Russia plot

Stefan Thumann, the head of German defence technology company Donaustahl, told AFP he is living in hiding because of a suspected Russian assassination plot linked to his supply of drones to Ukraine.

Thumann, 39, said authorities first warned him last December that he could be in danger. Soon after, he said, he was told that the threat came from Russia and that a murder attempt was planned.

The chief executive said he changes location every few weeks, is accompanied by bodyguards and remains mostly isolated, while still overseeing the company's work. He described contact with his family as sporadic and only digital.

The interior ministry in Bavaria, where Donaustahl is based, told AFP it was aware of the case but declined to comment further, saying it was under investigation by federal prosecutors.

Thumann said two so-called low-level agents have been arrested in connection with the alleged plot, but he believes the danger remains.

Donaustahl supplies attack drones to Kyiv and also develops warheads for interceptor drones. Thumann said drone and defence companies across Europe were at risk from Russian aggression.

The case comes as Western security services accuse Moscow of stepping up sabotage and other hybrid operations in Europe, allegations Russia denies. Germany has also accused Russia of responsibility for an attempted attack using an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig airport, which Moscow has rejected.