Nazi-Era Volkswagen Plant to Produce Iron Dome Components in Germany
A Volkswagen plant in Osnabrück, Germany, originally established under the Nazi regime, is set to become a production hub for components of Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the German state of Lower Saxony, and the Israeli investment fund Aurelius Capital have signed a letter of intent to transform the site into a center of excellence for defense and security.
The initial phase of the collaboration will focus on developing and manufacturing parts for air defense systems, leveraging established international technologies. The skilled workforce at the Osnabrück facility, experienced in advanced manufacturing and quality assurance, is expected to play a crucial role. This initiative arises amid evolving security landscapes and a strategic need for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities, with Germany playing a key part.
According to the British outlet JFeed, Rafael is slated to produce launchers, heavy transport vehicles for batteries, and power generators for the Iron Dome at the plant. The interceptors themselves, known as Tamir missiles, will continue to be manufactured at a separate Rafael facility in Germany. This agreement is seen as a lifeline for the Osnabrück plant, which employs approximately 2,300 workers and currently produces the T-Roc Cabriolet. Volkswagen has been facing financial difficulties, leading to production cuts at the site, which was reportedly facing closure.
Officials expressed optimism about the venture. Stephan Weil, Minister-President of Lower Saxony, stated that the site has the necessary industrial infrastructure to reposition itself in a strategic sector, emphasizing the need for Germany and Europe to strengthen their defense industries and independence. Yoaav Turgeman, CEO of Rafael, highlighted the collaboration's reliance on proven technology to address current threats and future challenges, noting that production in Germany will enhance European security. Tomer Yaakov, co-founder of Aurelius, expressed pride in transforming the automotive plant into a leading defense manufacturing center.
The project, if approved, is expected to commence production within 12 to 18 months. Volkswagen, founded in 1937 as the "People's Car" project by the Nazi regime, utilized forced labor in its factories during World War II. Now, nearly nine decades later, the company is poised to be part of the supply chain for a system that defends Israeli cities against rocket attacks. Rafael has maintained a significant presence in Germany for over two decades through its subsidiaries.
