Executives at British and European defence companies supplying weapons to Ukraine have been warned of a growing threat of attacks, sabotage and espionage by Russia, according to the Daily Mail. The newspaper names Ukrspecsystems, BAE Systems and MBDA among the companies that may be of interest to Moscow. The warning comes against the backdrop of Russian threats against British military installations.
Briefly about the main points
- Warnings were issued to the heads of defence companies in Britain and Europe.
- The risks include attacks, acts of sabotage and espionage.
- Moscow had previously threatened British military installations.
- Three companies were named among those that Russia might find of interest.
The sector is placing greater emphasis on the protection of production facilities
Atlantic Council expert Elizabeth Bro She stated that representatives of the defence sector are increasingly concerned about their personal safety and the protection of their facilities. In her view, Russia is effectively signalling that it regards those involved in defence manufacturing as legitimate targets.
The UK Strategic Defence Review lists sabotage, cyber-attacks and attempts to disrupt sectors that support the armed forces as potential threats in the event of an inter-state conflict. London and Kyiv have also agreed to deepen industrial cooperation, in particular through joint ventures and the integration of supply chains.
Threats from Moscow and companies involved in supplies to Ukraine
Moscow has already threatened to strike British military installations in response to support for Ukraine. Ukrspecsystems is expanding its operations in the UK, BAE Systems began supplying Ukraine with British artillery barrel blanks in July, and MBDA is manufacturing Storm Shadow missiles.
The risk of sabotage against supply chains in Britain has already materialised: in July 2025, those involved in setting fire to a London warehouse where aid and Starlink equipment for Ukraine were stored were convicted. The Crown Prosecution Service linked the ringleader in the case to actions carried out on behalf of the Wagner Group.
