This is just an illustration image
KOMPUTER JADUL-, German carmaker Volkswagen (VW) is open to producing weapons and military equipment, CEO Oliver Blume has said.
Blume made the remarks in response to the European Union's recent announcement of plans to spend up to $870 billion on its defense sector.
Speaking to German state broadcaster NDR on Tuesday, Blume said the carmaker was examining the needs of the defense industry closely.
All options are on the table, he said, including converting some plants from civilian to military production. "We are basically open to such topics," Blume claimed.
The idea has been backed by Germany's largest arms manufacturer, Rheinmetall. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said on Wednesday that VW's Osnabrueck facility would be suitable for conversion.
Volkswagen previously produced military vehicles for the Wehrmacht, Nazi Germany’s armed forces, during World War II, including the Kübelwagen light transport vehicle and the Schwimmwagen four-wheel-drive amphibious vehicle.
A Volkswagen factory was involved in making components for the V-1 flying bomb, an early type of cruise missile used to devastating effect by the Nazis.
The auto giant is struggling now, with sales and profits plunging last year, forcing VW to announce its first-ever mass factory closures and layoffs in Germany.
Meanwhile, the European Union is stepping up its militarization efforts after US President Donald Trump repeatedly criticized European NATO members for failing to meet the bloc’s defense spending commitments.
In response, Brussels has announced a major militarization initiative proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Dubbed ReArm Europe, the plan could divert $870 billion to the defense sector over the next four years.
While the announcement sent shares in Europe's largest arms manufacturer soaring, the plan was rejected by Dutch lawmakers, citing fiscal concerns.
No comments
Post a Comment