Anschlag in München: Zwei Verdächtige nach Brandanschlag in München in U-Haft

In Munich, two suspects were apprehended after a arson attack on a construction site near a weapons company. The 28-year-old Bulgarian man and his 38-year-old compatriot were charged with property damage and attempted arson, according to the Munich State Attorney's Office and the Bavarian Criminal Police Office. They are accused of throwing Molotov cocktails from a car.

One investigation judge issued arrest warrants. No one was injured and little damage occurred during the incident on Thursday night. A witness observed the suspected perpetrators, who were subsequently arrested at a gas station. Further suspects have not been identified so far, said a spokesperson for the Criminal Police Office.

During investigations, three residences in the Munich district were searched and numerous items were seized, which are now being evaluated. Neighboring the construction site are the headquarters of the security technology manufacturer Rohde & Schwarz and the drone manufacturer Helsing. The latter is known to supply Ukrainian forces in the war against Russia.

Whether the companies were the targets remains unclear. One Molotov cocktail sparked a fire that was extinguished by police, while a second was defused. Investigators and Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) suspect a political motive, leading the Munich State Attorney's Office to take over the investigation. The Bavarian Central Office for the Fight Against Extremism and Terrorism handles the case.

Munich and the Greater Munich area are traditionally centers of the German arms industry. Rohde & Schwarz, while not a weapons manufacturer, produces measurement and security technology with a military branch. Helsing manufactures AI-powered combat drones. Security authorities estimate that the vulnerability of the German arms industry has increased due to the Ukraine war.

According to the latest figures from the Bavarian Economic Ministry, one third of federal defense industry revenues are located in Bavaria, employing 45,000 people. Both sales and employment are growing as European NATO countries significantly increase their defense spending. The government is currently considering new authorities for drone defense and additional protective measures following a series of sabotage acts against companies and key facilities across Germany. The government is consulting with the states on this matter.