The Berlin Hospital Association (ABB) has warned of "unexplained" incidents that have recently become more frequent near medical centers in the German capital - from drones flying over hospitals to cyberattacks, burglaries and arson. ABB explains that at least some of these incidents are classified as manifestations of hybrid warfare. "The protection of medical facilities is no longer just an internal problem, but a case that concerns the security forces of the state," the statement also says.
For security reasons, ABB does not say exactly which hospitals are in question. Berlin has over 80 hospitals, including the largest university hospital in Europe, the Charité.
Explosions, arsons, cyberattacks
In November, a powerful explosion caused serious damage to the Vivantes hospital in the southeast of the German capital. A few hours later, a fire broke out at the entrance to the Charité. In both cases, the hospital wards where cancer patients are treated were affected. Authorities have launched an investigation into suspected politically motivated arson.
In the summer of 2025, six fires were reported at the Bundeswehr hospital in Berlin, with speculation that the incidents may have been linked to the fact that the German military hospital was also treating wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
The Office for the Protection of the Constitution (domestic intelligence) noted that in recent years there have been increased attacks on medical facilities in the German capital and added that they are currently investigating a series of cyberattacks with ransom demands, some of which have been linked to criminal circles in Russia.
„There are increasing signs that the line between cyberespionage and cybercrime is blurring. "Usually, a direct link to Russian state agencies cannot be clearly proven," the statement said.
Hospitals and emergency services are targets for attacks
Hospitals are an easy target for cybercriminals seeking ransoms, according to Manuel Atug, founder of an association of experts working to improve the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure in Germany. "It's almost always about money. But it's also possible to talk about sabotage or espionage. We've seen cases of break-ins or drones flying low over hospitals recently," the expert said.
A few weeks ago, there was sabotage of the power grid in Berlin, which left around 100,000 people without heating, electricity and internet for almost a week in very low temperatures. A left-wing extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Protecting critical infrastructure
Germany still has a lot of work to do if it wants to effectively protect its critical infrastructure, believes Felix Naumann, an expert on extremism at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. “The things that are being taken to protect Germany often come too late and are not enough. Are we prepared for the current situation? I wouldn't say so”, he told DW.
In the summer of 2025, a Civil Protection Plan for Berlin hospitals was drawn up - it was the first of its kind in the country. At the same time, it is important to invest in structural and technical protection of the healthcare system. According to a study by the German Hospital Institute and the Institute for Health Business, there is a long list of security problems in healthcare facilities in Germany. Among them: inadequate cybersecurity systems, unguarded hospital entrances and inadequate preparation for a potential serious threat – whether chemical, biological, nuclear or military. A number of rehabilitation centres, nursing homes and psychiatric care facilities are also vulnerable. The study shows that 2.7 billion euros and an additional 670 million euros per year would be needed to adequately protect German healthcare facilities.
At the end of January, the German Bundestag passed a new law to protect critical infrastructure – this came after the attack that left tens of thousands in Berlin without electricity. The new legislation obliges institutions and private companies operating in strategic sectors to increase the physical security of their centers.
The German Interior Ministry told DW that the risk of such attacks remains high, due to the increasing espionage and sabotage activities by foreign services - mainly Russian - as well as the increased threat from extremist groups.
Author: Helen Whittle