The German armed forces (Bundeswehr) are currently outmatched by Russian forces in the field of electronic warfare. This assessment was provided by Deputy Admiral Thomas Daum, Inspector of the Cyber and Information Space branch, speaking to the FAZ on the sidelines of the Mission Vigilant Owl (VIGO) in Lithuania.
Daum admitted that, frankly, Germany cannot currently compete with the capabilities demonstrated by Russia. He explained that Russia has invested “massively in electronic combat and built up capabilities” over the past 15 to 20 years, even during a time when Germany felt it was “in deepest peace.” He added that only after the repeal of the debt brake were sufficient funds finally available to allow Germany to act quickly.
While Daum acknowledged that the Bundeswehr desperately needs these electronic capabilities, he noted that the necessary technology is available, partially within German or European industries, and sometimes with American suppliers. However, he cautioned that procurement must move beyond prototypes. “We must scale up to provide our troops with full equipment-and we still have a long way to go there.”
During the VIGO mission, which recently commenced in Lithuania, the Bundeswehr is actively collecting and analyzing electronic signals originating from Russia and Belarus. Inspector Daum described the operation as purely reconnaissance; the Bundeswehr is not actively interfering or jamming the Russian or Belarusian armies. Nevertheless, he pointed out that this claim cannot be made from the other side. They witness the deployment of jamming systems directed at Bundeswehr installations in Lithuania, an attempt, as Daum put it, “to blind our antenna,” which he added is often successful. “A strong jammer has this effect; that cannot be prevented.” This, Daum stated, sends a clear message to the Bundeswehr: “We know that you are there, and we know what you are doing.” These incidents occur “every few days.”
Sara Nanni, the Greens politician who accompanied the troops for a few days in Lithuania, corroborated the mission’s purpose to the FAZ. She stated that Mission VIGO also serves to communicate toward Moscow: “We see what you are doing. And we are already collecting data so that we are prepared in case you come our way.”
