The number one European automobile manufacturer is in discussions with an Israeli company to produce trucks carrying missiles.
Oliver Blume, the head of Volkswagen, acknowledged on Friday that his group is in contact with defense industry professionals to convert its German factory in Osnabrück into the production of military transport equipment. Blume stated, “We have not been active in defense for decades, and we have a significant catch-up to do, which is why this could be a solution for Osnabrück,” during a convention in Frankfurt.
By the end of 2024, Volkswagen had announced that the site in Lower Saxony, employing 2,300 people, would no longer produce vehicles starting from mid-2027 for another use of the plant, as part of a massive cost-saving plan to restore the group’s profitability.
However, the Osnabrück plant would not produce weapon systems, as clarified by the Volkswagen boss. Instead, they would focus on military transport equipment because “that’s where our expertise lies.”
Context: – Volkswagen is considering converting its plant in Osnabrück to produce military transport equipment, moving away from vehicle manufacturing to cut costs and improve profitability.
Fact Check: – The article mentions that the Volkswagen boss is considering converting the factory to produce military equipment, not specifically missiles as initially mentioned.
/2026/03/28/69c84e95a5d97492382023.jpg "Foiled attack in Paris: Suspicion of ties with Iran is not surprising, says Senator Cédric Perrin, chairman of the Senates defense and foreign affairs committee.")
