Firebombs Thrown at Rohde & Schwarz Munich: 2 Arrested

Firebombs were thrown at the Munich headquarters of German defense company Rohde & Schwarz on the evening of September 2, 2026, and two Bulgarian nationals have been arrested. Police are investigating whether the firebomb attack was politically motivated, according to German media. The incident is the latest in a series of security threats against European defense firms, raising concerns about the safety of critical military suppliers.

What Happened at the Rohde & Schwarz Munich Headquarters?

Shortly before 10 p.m. local time, a car pulled up near a construction site in front of the Rohde & Schwarz headquarters in Munich. Witnesses reported that one or more occupants threw firebombs toward the site before fleeing. Emergency services arrived quickly and extinguished the fire. No one was injured, and the company confirmed that the building itself was not damaged. However, an unexploded firebomb had to be defused by specialized police units, indicating the severity of the attack.

According to the defense company, the building was not damaged.

Police later arrested two suspects at a nearby gas station: a 28-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man, both Bulgarian nationals. German public broadcaster BR reported that authorities are examining whether the pair acted alone or as part of a larger network. The investigation is focusing on a possible political motive, as defense companies have become frequent targets for activists opposed to military spending and arms exports.

Why Is Rohde & Schwarz a Target?

Rohde & Schwarz is a privately held German technology group specializing in secure communications, electronic test equipment, and cybersecurity. With more than 15,000 employees worldwide and regional headquarters in the United States and Singapore, the company supplies armed forces, aviation, and telecom industries. In the 2024/2025 fiscal year, it generated revenue of over €3 billion, an increase of almost 8 percent year-on-year.

The company has faced attacks before. In 2021, unknown persons set fire to an exposed high-voltage cable near the Munich site, leaving approximately 20,000 households without power. That earlier incident was also investigated as a possible politically motivated act against the defense sector. The German defense industry growth has made companies like Rohde & Schwarz more visible, and some activists view them as legitimate targets for protest.

Rohde & Schwarz also has a subsidiary in the Netherlands, where Dutch navy ships use its products. This international footprint underscores the broader implications of attacks on a single defense supplier, as disruption could affect multiple NATO allies.

Who Are the Suspects and What Happens Next?

The two Bulgarian nationals were taken into custody and are being questioned by Bavarian police. German authorities, including the public prosecutor's office, are working to determine whether the firebomb attack was coordinated with any domestic or international group. If prosecutors establish a political motive, the suspects could face charges of attempted arson and endangering public safety, with potential sentences of several years in prison.

Police are investigating whether the attack was politically motivated.

Security around the Rohde & Schwarz campus has been increased, and other German defense companies have been advised to review their perimeter security. The incident follows a pattern of political attacks on defense companies across Europe, which have ranged from graffiti and vandalism to more serious arson attempts.

Impact on German Defense and Security

The attack highlights the growing risk facing Europe's defense industrial base at a time when governments are ramping up military procurement. Germany has pledged significant increases in defense spending, and companies like Rohde & Schwarz are central to secure communications and electronic warfare capabilities. Any disruption to their operations could delay critical military programs.

Analysts note that the European defense sector security is now a matter of national concern. While the fire was quickly contained and no one was hurt, the use of firebombs represents an escalation from previous protest actions. Industry associations are urging authorities to classify attacks on defense suppliers as serious crimes and to enhance police protection for key facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was anyone injured in the Rohde & Schwarz firebomb attack?

No injuries were reported. Emergency services extinguished the fire quickly, and the company confirmed the building was not damaged.

Who was arrested in connection with the Munich firebombs?

Two Bulgarian nationals were arrested: a 28-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man. They were detained at a gas station near the scene.

Has Rohde & Schwarz been attacked before?

Yes. In 2021, unknown persons set fire to an exposed high-voltage cable near the Munich site, cutting power to about 20,000 households.

What does Rohde & Schwarz do?

The company specializes in secure communications, electronic test equipment, and cybersecurity, employing over 15,000 people worldwide and generating more than €3 billion in annual revenue.

Is the attack considered terrorism?

Police are investigating a possible political motive, but no group has claimed responsibility. It is too early to classify the incident as terrorism.