The news came to us from a specialist journal that not many read, other than those interested, and from someone who is usually more discreet, but who felt that the time was serious enough to sound the alarm.
In the April 14, 2025 issue of the monthly magazine L’Usine Nouvelle, an interview with General Philippe Susnjara, head of the French Defense Intelligence and Security Directorate (DRSD) we learn about the “radicalization of certain anti-militarist groups”, with the very interesting consequence of “potentially curbing increases in the rate of production driven by prime contractors in the midst of a war economy”. And just to give a few tips to enthusiasts of the topic, another business journalist added the next day on a state radio station that “it’s the SMEs in the sector that are most exposed. They are more numerous, less protected than the major companies, and often ill-prepared.”
Turning to the subject of figures, the general gave his problem an order of magnitude, estimating that between 2023 and 2024 “physical attacks increased by 50%” against companies in the defense industrial and technological base (DITB). L’Usine Nouvelle then cited two concrete examples of sabotage of the military-industrial complex, which it would have been a pity to leave to its readers alone without giving them the publicity they deserved: “in the summer of 2024, for example, a company exporting military equipment to Ukraine was the victim of an intrusion that involved cutting through the fence of its site, followed by four Molotov cocktails thrown at it. Other concrete cases? Over the past two years, a major French prime contractor has noted a worrying increase in fires among its subcontractors, in France and in other European countries”.
[Usine nouvelle/France Inter summary, April 14-15, 2025]
“There is an increase in malicious acts against defense manufacturers”, says General Philippe Susnjara, Director of the DRSD
L’Usine Nouvelle, January 14, 2025 (excerpt)
L’Usine Nouvelle – Are defense companies increasingly affected by malicious acts?
General Philippe Susnjara, Director of Defense Intelligence and Security (DRSD) – There are two simultaneous phenomena. The first is that, given the anxiety-inducing international situation and the growing awareness of threats, companies realize that there is a real need for information to be passed on to us. Traditionally, companies don’t like to talk about problems. They tended to keep quiet about it. Today, they’re more inclined to raise the subject. This trend automatically contributes to an increase in the number of incidents reported. But at the same time, there has also been an increase in malicious acts. It can be estimated that between 2023 and 2024, at DITB level, cyber attacks will have increased by 60% and physical attacks by 50%. This corresponds to several hundred incidents every year.
What types of action are carried out on French soil?
These may involve drone flights over sites. Sometimes a flyover is carried out by an individual unfamiliar with the regulations. But when three drones fly over a site in the middle of the night, there’s no doubt about the intent. Fires are another example, and the difficulty here is attribution. Is it accidental or intentional? In the latter case, it could be linked to a social conflict, to anti-militarist movements or to people acting on behalf of a state to degrade our capacity. Finally, computer thefts, as well as site intrusions, are also on the increase.
Are these acts likely to hamper manufacturers’ production rate increases in the midst of a war economy?
Yes, there is a risk. To date, there have been no consequences in terms of production capacity. But it’s a risk that needs to be taken into account.
To what extent can these actions be attributed to pro-Russian objectives?
Today, it’s difficult to say. The actions we have been able to attribute are more likely to be the work of anti-militarist or anti-war groups with links to the ultra-left. Because they have been claimed on websites. For the time being, we haven’t been able to pinpoint any links to Russia. But I have no doubt that individuals have attempted actions on behalf of this country. There have been proven cases in Germany and Poland, so there’s no reason why some people shouldn’t have tried in France.
But how do you guard against physical threats?
You need to map out what is and isn’t sensitive within your company. For some companies, it’s the production processes themselves that are particularly sensitive, and therefore need to be better protected. This is where the added value lies, and where the company needs to step up protection. This can involve tools, machines and even individuals. This doesn’t mean turning the company site into “Fort Knox” – that’s pointless – but it does mean ensuring spatial segregation. People have to be hand-picked to know who can access which areas. You need access badges. Even in small start-up premises. Above all, the priority is people. Because the flaw, even in this day and age, is human behavior. You don’t just put any USB key on a network. You don’t leave sensitive documents lying around. You don’t talk about your life on the train.
via: sansnom