Volkswagen is in discussions with Israeli defense company Rafael about potentially manufacturing components for the Iron Dome air defense system at its plant in Osnabrück, Germany. The talks were first reported by the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the matter.

If an agreement is reached, the German automaker would produce specialized trucks designed to transport interceptor missiles, as well as parts for launchers and power generators. The interceptor missiles themselves would not be manufactured by Volkswagen.

The potential partnership signals a possible expansion of Volkswagen’s manufacturing activities into defense-related production, as European companies explore new industrial opportunities tied to security and defense needs.