Russian Intelligence Uncovered Spying on European Air Defence Secrets for Ukraine

Italian investigators have uncovered an alleged Russian espionage network that sought to obtain secret information about European air defence systems sent or to be tested in Ukraine. The targets of the operation reportedly included the SAMP/T system, CAMM-ER missiles, and the integrated defence project Michelangelo Dome owned by Leonardo. The case came to light after Italian police recorded and intercepted a meeting between Gavino Raoul Piras, 59, a former member of the Italian intelligence community, and Mikhail Astakov, the Russian military attaché in Rome who is suspected of links to the Russian military intelligence agency, the GRU. As reported by Defense News on Friday, 10 July 2026, court documents indicate Astakov allegedly received a list of information requirements from his superiors to be passed on to the network in Italy. The Italian government responded to the case by expelling two Russian military attachés from Rome. The decision was announced two days after Piras and another former Italian intelligence official were arrested on suspicion of handing over protected information to a Russian agent. “Moscow continues to use hybrid warfare to attack the West and Italy. This is a serious and unacceptable interference in Italian institutions and national security,” said Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister. The investigation described an operation blending electronic eavesdropping with conventional espionage techniques. According to court documents reviewed by Defense News, Astakov and Piras held secret meetings to discuss information requests, payment methods, and data handovers. Information was allegedly stored on microSD cards, then placed in a hole in a wall for collection by the other party. Investigators stated the Russian side paid approximately 4,000 euros or 4,600 US dollars for each package of information. “Everything I can give you, I will give you. Tell that to your superiors,” Piras reportedly told Astakov in one recorded conversation cited in court documents. Rome prosecutors accuse Piras of using money from the Russian official to recruit sources within Italian military circles. Five other people are under investigation, while Reuters reported that four sources suspected of supplying information to Piras are still on active duty in the Italian military.