FT: Volkswagen in talks with Israel to build Iron Dome systems in Germany

The German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen is in talks with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems to potentially manufacture components for the Iron Dome at its plant in Osnabrück, The Financial Times reports.

The two companies plan to convert the embattled Osnabrück plant to make components for the Israeli state-owned group’s Iron Dome air defence system, according to people familiar with the plan.

The discussions reportedly cover the production of trucks for missile transport, as well as launchers and electric generators for the Israeli system.

If an agreement is reached, production of these components could begin within the next 12 to 18 months. The plan has received support from the German government, increasing the likelihood of a rapid contract and the launch of the new production line, the report says.

The article also noted that Volkswagen’s Osnabrück plant had previously faced potential closure due to low output. Manufacturing components for air defence systems would help the company preserve all 2,300 jobs at the facility.