The German government has formally redefined the nature of security threats, now classifying sabotage, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns as precursors to armed conflict. This significant shift is revealed in a revised version of the “Operationsplan Deutschland” (OPLAN), a confidential document from the Defense Ministry, reported by Politico and directed towards local authorities and municipalities.
The OPLAN explicitly states that hybrid actions – encompassing cyber operations, sabotage and influence campaigns – “fundamentally serve the purpose of preparing for a military confrontation”. This marks a strategic realignment, integrating these previously distinct forms of aggression into the same threat assessment framework as conventional military preparations.
Germany’s central role within NATO is underscored in the document. It identifies the nation as a crucial operational hub and transit route for the deployment of allied forces to NATO’s eastern flank. The OPLAN anticipates a Russian strategy of initially employing “covert” hybrid attacks to obstruct or delay such a build-up. Subsequently, Germany is deemed a “prioritized target” for conventional attacks utilizing long-range weapon systems, potentially impacting both military installations and civilian infrastructure.
A notable new element is the emphasis on civil defense. The declassified version of the OPLAN focuses on coordinating efforts between military and civilian entities. The document utilizes a five-phase model, progressing from early threat detection through national and collective defense to post-conflict stabilization. Currently, Germany is positioned in the initial phase. A stark statement asserts, “Defense is impossible without civil support” highlighting the critical reliance on civilian assistance for fulfilling numerous essential tasks.
This re-evaluation carries significant political implications. The formal acknowledgment of hybrid actions as a wartime precursor signals a heightened level of concern within Berlin regarding escalating geopolitical tensions and Russian aggression. Critics are likely to question the government’s preparedness for such a scenario and the adequacy of current civil defense measures. The document’s focus on Germany’s vital strategic role within NATO may also trigger debates about the nation’s increasing involvement in European security and the potential burdens and risks associated with that position. The direct communication of this detailed assessment to local authorities indicates a growing recognition of the need to prepare citizens at all levels for potential disruptions and contingencies.
