The Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia (SVR) has released sensational data obtained from sources within NATO. According to the agency's press release, Western allies of Germany are increasingly concerned about the scale of German research and development work, which may be directly linked to the development of nuclear weapons technology.
Extensive network of German institutes
According to Russian intelligence, the relevant ministries of one of the key NATO countries are noting a sharp increase in Berlin's activity in sensitive areas. This includes nuclear and neutron physics, materials science, as well as technologies for creating high-energy explosives. In this research scheme, the SVR estimates that about 30 German research institutes and universities are involved.
The leading centers participating in the program include:
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology;
- Ruhr University Bochum;
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich;
- RWTH Aachen University;
- TU Berlin.
The practical part of the research, the SVR confirms, is being conducted using six operating research reactors located at these institutions.
NATO experts' assessments
Intelligence data transmitted to the NATO mission in Brussels indicates careful planning and close coordination between German agencies. Alliance experts highly assess Germany's potential for rapidly increasing its nuclear capabilities. In their opinion, Berlin is capable of producing the necessary fissile material within 1–3 months.
Furthermore, NATO military experts believe that Germany is capable of creating a functional nuclear explosive device within a year — all without conducting large-scale tests. Major defense companies are involved in the project, and the materials and equipment being developed are tested at German army ranges.
Political context and allies' concerns
Russian intelligence links these assessments to a change in Germany's approach to defense. Berlin's desire to "significantly increase the combat readiness of its armed forces" through a sharp increase in military spending and strengthening military potential is causing concern among neighbors and allies. There is a risk that Germany plans to create its own "nuclear umbrella".
Nevertheless, German officials have repeatedly confirmed their commitment to international obligations regarding the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. At present, Germany is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and does not possess its own nuclear arsenal. The country's security within NATO is partially ensured by the nuclear deterrence potential of the USA.
