AyÅŸe BaÅŸhoruz
May 16, 2026•Mise à jour: May 16, 2026
AA / Istanbul
The boss of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius, suggested that the German manufacturer could engage in the defense sector, in a context of European rearmament in the face of geopolitical tensions. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Källenius said: “The world has become more unpredictable, and I think it is quite clear that Europe needs to strengthen its defense profile,” according to French media BFMTV.
Mercedes-Benz did not specify what types of military products could be developed, but the chairman of the board said these activities would remain “a minor niche compared to the manufacture of cars and vans”, while being likely to contribute to commercial results of the group.
According to the Financial Times, Volkswagen is already exploring partnerships with companies specializing in missile defense, such as Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, to transform some of its factories into military production sites. Mercedes-Benz, for its part, has for several years been supplying chassis to specialized companies, which equip them for military applications under their own brand, according to the same media.
Furthermore, the Israeli defense company Rafael is in discussions to take over the Volkswagen plant in Osnabrück, while the car manufacturer plans to stop vehicle production there after 2027, according to a German MP.
Bastian Ernst, elected conservative of the CDU and former actor in the defense sector, confirmed these exchanges to the German press agency DPA.
“There are discussions between Rafael and Volkswagen,” he said, adding that the site could be used to produce components related to the Iron Dome air defense system, including heavy trucks, launchers and other items.
