Volkswagen has finalized a deal to transfer its Osnabrück vehicle manufacturing plant to Aurelius Capital, with the State of Lower Saxony maintaining a minority stake. This move effectively bypasses a previous veto by the Qatar Investment Authority, which had blocked a direct partnership between the automaker and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Starting in 2027, the facility will cease civilian production and transition into a military manufacturing site for Israeli defense needs, including the assembly of heavy launchers and the modification of vehicles for military use. This development occurs amid rising scrutiny regarding German arms exports to Israel, which have increased significantly in 2026. Critics and activists have condemned the repurposing of the site, while the German government faces ongoing legal challenges at the International Court of Justice regarding its military support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza.
Source : Tehran Times
Photo : Tehran Times
