German firm in talks to produce military vehicle parts, air defense system in Born, Ede
German defense giant Rheinmetall is in talks with Dutch manufacturer VDL to produce components for the Caracal 4x4, a Mercedes-based attack vehicle used by the Dutch Army’s air mobile brigade, at the former Nedcar factory in Born. The discussions coincide with plans to potentially produce Skyranger 30 air defense systems at Rheinmetall’s Ede facility, executives said.
Coen van Leeuwen, CEO of Rheinmetall Defence Nederland in Ede, confirmed the talks in a podcast with FD and BNR. He said Rheinmetall is exploring producing air defense systems at its Ede plant and is negotiating with VDL to manufacture parts for the Caracal.
Rheinmetall is said to be eyeing its Ede subsidiary as a potential site for the production of the Skyranger 30, a gun-based air defense system. Currently manufactured by Rheinmetall Air Defense in Düsseldorf, Germany, the Skyranger could see partial production relocated to Ede if a contract is finalized with the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
“For us, it is important that we get clarity quickly. Those discussions are ongoing. At the moment, there is very little more to say,” Van Leeuwen said. A VDL spokesperson was not available Tuesday morning for comment.
The Caracal assembly collaboration is not new. In 2023, VDL was contracted by Rheinmetall to assemble 500 Caracal vehicles, a project that ran through 2024. Until now, VDL’s former Nedcar factory in Born had primarily been considered for the potential production of military drones, although no concrete plans have reportedly emerged.
“This means that we could start producing air defense towers and cannons in Ede,” Van Leeuwen said, highlighting the company’s interest in localizing air defense production. He added that the Netherlands has shown interest in acquiring such systems and that partnering with a major defense firm like Rheinmetall would allow rapid localization.
Rheinmetall’s Ede facility already serves as a subcontractor for its Düsseldorf parent company in the production of parts for the Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle, known for its high protection and mobility. “What you see in Ede is that we partially benefit from this as well,” Van Leeuwen said, noting that increased European defense spending has boosted operations in the Netherlands.
