The President of the Federal Office for Procurement of the German Armed Forces (BAAINBw), Anette Lehnigk-Emden, has indicated the potential for major industrial corporations, such as Volkswagen, to contribute to the production of military equipment, including armored vehicles, if required. In an interview, Lehnigk-Emden suggested that companies like Volkswagen or John Deere possess the capabilities to manufacture complex systems like tanks, though significant adjustments would be necessary.
She highlighted logistical challenges, specifically the considerable weight differences between typical industrial products and military vehicles. “There’s a difference between a product weighing one ton and one weighing 60 tons” she stated. Lehnigk-Emden also emphasized that specialized expertise in tank construction currently resides within a limited number of German companies, making a rapid transition to military production complex. She cautioned against the expectation of a simple operational shift, characterizing the process as considerably more involved. However, she affirmed that such a capability could be established “if the situation demands it.
The defense manufacturer Rheinmetall has already expressed interest in utilizing Volkswagen’s Osnabrück plant for the production of military vehicles. Volkswagen, currently facing economic challenges, has indicated an openness to exploring the possibility.