A German Bundeswehr frigate captain has been suspended for allegedly leaking classified plans for over 150 defence procurements worth €337 billion to an arms lobbyist.
The documents, detailing weapon systems across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains, were first made public by Politico in September 2025. The Ministry of Defence launched an immediate investigation, identifying the officer as a suspect.
Criminal and disciplinary proceedings are underway. Authorities have obtained a warrant to search the officer’s personal devices.
The offence, classified as betrayal of state secrets, carries potential prison time. Rheinmetall emerged as the top beneficiary in the leaked list, with €182 billion in contracts awarded to German firms.
The case has drawn national attention, with prosecutors now involved. No further details have been released.