Airbus fires 16 staff over leaked German military secrets
Airbus has fired 16 employees after they were found with classified German military documents. The company took action in mid-September but initially shared few details about the case. Reports now confirm that one of those dismissed held a senior role as a department head.
The scandal involves documents marked *VS-NfD*âthe lowest level of official secrecy. Airbus alerted both judicial authorities and the Defence Ministry after uncovering potential misconduct among staff.
The case first came to light through a report by Welt am Sonntag. Airbus later confirmed the dismissals but did not disclose further information at the time. Prosecutors in Munich have since opened an investigation, charging 17 individuals with 'divulging trade and business secrets (or incitement thereto).' The identities of those accused remain undisclosed.
Among the 16 employees fired, one was a department head. The company has not clarified whether any of the 17 suspects from the September probe are still employed or if additional dismissals followed. The documents involved were classified under *VS-NfD*, meaning they were restricted to official use only. Airbus acted swiftly by notifying authorities and terminating contracts without notice. The Defence Ministry was also informed as part of the internal response to the breach.
The investigation continues under Munich prosecutors, with 17 suspects now facing charges. Airbus has removed those directly involved but has not provided updates on the wider impact. The case highlights the risks of unauthorised access to sensitive military-related materials, even at lower classification levels.
