DEUTSCHE WELLE
Is VW eyeing Iron Dome parts production at German plant?
Arthur Sullivan
March 25, 2026

Volkswagen (VW) is in talks with the Israeli defense firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems over a possible collaboration which would see production switch from cars to defense equipment at a key VW plant, according to a report in the Financial Times. The exclusive report in the newspaper, quoting people familiar with the plan, says the companies plan to convert Volkswagen’s struggling Osnabrück plant into a facility which makes components for the Israeli state-owned company’s Iron Dome air defense system. In response to queries from DW, a spokesperson for Volkswagen said “the production of weapons by Volkswagen AG remains ruled out for the future, and we do not engage in speculation regarding further plans for the Osnabrück site.” However, with the Osnabrück site scheduled to phase out its current production in 2027, the spokesperson said the company “continues to explore viable options” and is talking to various “market players.” READ MORE