Mercedes Says It Is Ready To Produce Military Products

• 16.05.2026, 16:37

Following Volkswagen .

One of the largest German automobile companies Mercedes-Benz, which produces premium-class cars, may in the future get involved in defense production. This was stated by the company's CEO Ola Kellenius in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

He said that in a more unstable global environment, Europe needs to strengthen its defense capabilities, and Mercedes-Benz is ready to consider participation in such projects if it can make a useful contribution to them.

At the same time, Kellenius noted that the defense business, even if developed, will remain secondary for the company and will occupy only a small share of the business compared to the production of passenger cars and commercial vehicles. He also admitted that it could become a growing niche that could bring additional income.

It is noted that Mercedes-Benz has been producing heavy trucks that can be used for military purposes since 2021, and also offers military modifications of G-Class SUVs for different countries.

And other automakers are also considering participation in defense projects. Thus, the head of Volkswagen Oliver Blum previously stated the company's readiness to produce military equipment for the needs of the German army within the framework of pan-European rearmament programs. In addition, Volkswagen is in talks with Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems about possible cooperation, including converting part of the Osnabrück plant's capacity to produce components for the Iron Dome missile defense system by 2027.

By these statements, Western car companies are facing economic difficulties. In 2025, Mercedes-Benz's profits fell markedly, by about $1.2 billion, due, among other things, to rising U.S. customs duties and increased competition from Chinese manufacturers.