German drone CEO says he is hiding over alleged Russian plot

Donaustahl chief Stefan Thumann says he has been living in hiding for months after German officials warned him in late 2025 of an alleged Russian intelligence plan to assassinate him.

Thumann, whose German defence startup supplies attack drones to Ukraine, told RTL and Stern that he is constantly changing locations and has 24-hour personal security.

“I'm fighting a duel with the Russian military intelligence service for my life,” he said. He added: “Constantly changing locations, 24-hour personal security, my private life has ceased to exist.”

German prosecutors announced in March the arrest of two alleged “disposable agents” accused of spying on Thumann to prepare the alleged assassination bid. RTL cited a German lawmaker as saying the plans against him were well advanced and involved using a nerve agent.

Thumann, 39, said he drew up his will and filled out an organ donor card after learning of the alleged plot.

Donaustahl makes products including attack and reconnaissance drones and military drone software. The company is among German defence technology startups that have become more prominent as drones play a central role in the Ukraine war.

In 2024, the United States foiled a Russian plot to assassinate Armin Papperger, chief executive of German defence group Rheinmetall, according to a CNN report cited by AFP. Rheinmetall is Germany's largest defence group and a major supplier of ammunition and weapons to Ukraine.