Volkswagen Aims to Join the Defense Industry: Automotive Giant Announces Readiness to Produce Military Equipment

Volkswagen has expressed its willingness to explore the opportunity of manufacturing equipment for the German military, contributing to Europe’s efforts to enhance its defense capabilities.

The Telegraph reported on this.

Oliver Blume, CEO of the leading European automaker, emphasized that although no proposals have been received from potential partners yet, the company is open to considering possible projects and ideas.

Such statements have come amid the intensification of Germany’s rearmament, driven by concerns that the United States, under President Donald Trump, might reduce its support for Europe.

In addition to Volkswagen, this is prompting companies like Rheinmetall and KNDS Group to adapt their auto component factories for the production of military equipment.

During an interview with Oliver Blume, the topic of utilizing currently idle production facilities was also discussed.

“First and foremost, I believe that, given the current geopolitical situation, what we are seeing in Germany and Europe is absolutely justified. I mean, we need to invest more in order to feel safe again.”

Meanwhile, he clarified that there is no talk of manufacturing military equipment at the group’s enterprises. However, if necessary, Volkswagen is ready to cooperate in this matter, using its facilities as one of the world’s largest car manufacturers.

Expectations of Europe’s rearmament have led to an increase in demand, which has led to a rapid rise in the shares of German defense companies, which are actively expanding their production.

Although Volkswagen does not operate in the military sector, its industrial capabilities make it possible to produce large volumes of vehicles. This, in addition to potentially strengthening Germany’s defense capabilities, could theoretically also improve the company’s financial position, which has been significantly shaken by the closure of its plants.

Militarnyi previously reported that the German defense company KNDS Deutschland plans to purchase a railcar manufacturing plant in Görlitz and convert it to armored vehicle production.

It has been reported that the current owner, Alstom, plans to close its production facility in Görlitz in 2026, while KNDS will gradually begin its own production at the same time. According to SPIEGEL, the company is investing tens of millions of euros into the new production.