German train factory to build tanks under new deal

Under the deal announced on February 5 between KNDS and French rail manufacturer Alstom, the arms group will take over the entire plant in Görlitz, eastern Germany, with the transfer expected to be completed by 2027.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was at the plant on February 5 to announce the switch.

He stressed that from next year, instead of producing train cars, the facility will switch to making components for the defence industry. Mr Scholz called this “very good news” because it ensures that workers will still have jobs even if the Alstom plant withdraws from Görlitz.

Alstom’s Görlitz plant has a long history of producing trains since the Kaiserreich era. During the transition period, the plant will continue to produce double-decker trains until 2025 to fulfill outstanding orders in Germany and Israel.

From 2027, the plant will officially focus on producing components for the Leopard 2 main battle tank developed by Rheinmetall, along with components for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle and the Boxer armored fighting vehicle.

The conversion marks a major turning point in the plant's history, transforming a long-standing railway manufacturing facility into a modern defense manufacturing hub.

Hoai Phuong (according to DW, dpa, AFP)