Junge Union Saar wants the Ford site in Saarlouis to be converted into a tank factory

Junge Union Saar has offered to set up a tank factory on the site of the Ford works in Saarlouis. This demand is part of a comprehensive plan that aims to strengthen Germany’s defense capabilities and at the same time sustainably develop the Saarland as a business region.

The demand for the tank factory, including the takeover of Ford’s workforce, is driven by the geopolitical tensions of Eastern Europe and the demands arising from Germany’s defense policy. The Junge Saar Alliance sees an urgent need to take action to strengthen the defense capabilities of Germany and Europe in the current international political situation, especially the conflict situation in Ukraine and the challenges related to the NATO alliance.

The plan advocates guaranteeing the acceptance of all major Bundeswehr weapon systems for the next 25 years. This should not only expand the manufacturing capacity in the country, but also create modern pressure and facilitate the creation of a stockpile of necessary materials for the creation of new military units.

The proposed conversion of the Ford factory in Saarlouis into a production site for armored vehicles would bring many economic benefits, including job creation and the use of industrial know-how in the Saarland. Domestic production of infantry fighting vehicles and other military vehicles can also reduce the cost and effort of shipping from overseas.

Two implementation proposals are presented by Junge Union Saar: On the one hand, a defense company such as KNDS or Rheinmetall could take over the plant and redesign it according to military requirements. Alternatively, Junge Union is proposing that the federal government buy the plant and operate it based on US Joint Systems Manufacturing facilities, allowing separate manufacturers to run production lines as needed.

These plans are also intended to contribute to strengthening the strategic independence of Germany and Europe, as the experience from the corona crisis and the current geopolitical situation suggest. Domestic production of military goods is intended to reduce dependence on external supply chains and improve response in times of crisis.

The Junge Union Saar plan is seen as an important step to secure the future vitality of the Saarland as an economic and technological region and at the same time strengthen Germany’s defense capabilities. The proposal has the potential to spark a broader political and social debate about the future direction of the German defense industry and its role in regional economic development.