In early 2025, German security agencies are investigating several sabotage cases targeting German Navy warships, notably the new corvette 'Emden' built at the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg. Authorities found dozens of kilograms of metal shavings deliberately placed in the ship's engine prior to its maiden voyage, potentially causing severe damage and delaying delivery. The Inspector of the Navy, Jan Christian Kaack, confirmed sabotage occurred on more than one naval unit and that measures are in place at shipyards. These developments occur against a backdrop of heightened Russian hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea region, including espionage attempts via drones seen over German and NATO military facilities. The German Navy has increased readiness, including enhanced mine countermeasure operations and increased diver capabilities, citing forecasts that Russia may be capable of conflict with NATO by 2029. The incidents reflect a multifaceted hybrid warfare approach by Russia aiming to undermine NATO naval capabilities and societal resilience.

In early 2025, German security agencies are investigating several sabotage cases targeting German Navy warships, notably the new corvette 'Emden' built at the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg. Authorities found dozens of kilograms of metal shavings deliberately placed in the ship's engine prior to its maiden voyage, potentially causing severe damage and delaying delivery. The Inspector of the Navy, Jan Christian Kaack, confirmed sabotage occurred on more than one naval unit and that measures are in place at shipyards. These developments occur against a backdrop of heightened Russian hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea region, including espionage attempts via drones seen over German and NATO military facilities. The German Navy has increased readiness, including enhanced mine countermeasure operations and increased diver capabilities, citing forecasts that Russia may be capable of conflict with NATO by 2029. The incidents reflect a multifaceted hybrid warfare approach by Russia aiming to undermine NATO naval capabilities and societal resilience.