Volkswagen Osnabrück plant eyed by Israel's Rafael as Qatar blocks deal

Volkswagen’s Osnabrück factory, slated to end production of the T‑Roc Cabriolet in 2027, has become the focus of a potential takeover by Israeli defence contractor Rafael. Rafael intends to manufacture components for the Iron Dome air‑defence system at the site. Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, which holds about 17 % of Volkswagen voting rights through the Qatar Investment Authority, is said to oppose a joint‑venture with Rafael.

The German state of Niedersachsen is examining models to split the plant into two entities – one to retain the land, buildings and part of the workforce under Volkswagen’s continued involvement, and a second to house the defence‑production operation, potentially with a financial investor and state participation pending a viable business plan. Reuters earlier reported an intention statement on 30 April 2026 about Rafael’s interest, while the Handelsblatt cited insiders on the split proposal.