France's top domestic intelligence official, Céline Berthon, warned of increased violent attacks and foreign interference, citing a recent drone discovery at Leipzig Airport as a signal of escalating hybrid warfare.
The warning from France's top intelligence official highlights the escalating security risks in Europe due to hybrid warfare and foreign interference, potentially impacting critical infrastructure and strategic industries.
France is preparing for a potential increase in violent attacks and foreign interference, as warned by Céline Berthon, the head of the country's domestic intelligence agency (DGSI). The alert comes in the wake of an apparent drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport in Germany on August 4, where an explosives-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft. Berthon stated that this incident signals a need to consider "more direct, more violent actions on our territory."
Berthon indicated that the threats primarily concern France's defence and technology industries but also extend to strategic sectors like energy and communications. She noted a significant rise in "hybrid threats," including cyber penetration and violence carried out by local proxies, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the government will soon identify those responsible for the Leipzig incident, though Moscow has denied involvement.
Echoing German officials, Berthon described France as being under daily "hybrid warfare" attack, which includes attempted interference with economic, scientific, and institutional targets, potentially impacting upcoming elections. The head of France's armed forces, General Fabien Mandon, also highlighted concerns that France is lagging behind potential adversaries in developing low-cost drones and effective defenses against them, noting the high volume of drone usage in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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