Rafael targets full German production of air defence technology in plan to convert Volkswagen's Osnabrück site into defence hub

Rafael, Aurelius Capital and Lower Saxony signed a statement of intent to explore converting Volkswagen’s Osnabrück plant into a German security-and-defense technology hub. The initial concept focuses on components for Rafael air-defense systems, with an ambition to manufacture the selected technology fully in Germany. The site’s skilled workforce and established quality and industrial processes could support rapid localization and later expansion into other programs. The arrangement remains subject to detailed negotiations, regulatory review and internal approvals, so it is not yet a production contract or confirmed plant conversion.