Rheinmetall may acquire NVL: German defense group expands into naval sector
European defense giant Rheinmetall (Düsseldorf) has expressed interest in acquiring shipbuilding company Naval Vessels Luerssen (NVL), sources told Reuters. The potential deal could significantly strengthen Rheinmetall’s position in the naval defense market.
According to Bild, Rheinmetall’s supervisory board will review the acquisition in the coming weeks. The Luerssen family, which owns NVL, intends to sell its naval shipyards in Hamburg, Wilhelmshaven, and Wolgast in order to focus on building megayachts.
NVL is considered one of Germany’s leading naval shipbuilders alongside Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The company’s annual turnover is estimated at around €1 billion. However, any acquisition would require approval from the Luerssen family and might not materialize.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger confirmed the company’s interest in expanding its naval portfolio but did not provide details. Earlier this month, he noted that Rheinmetall, known for producing tanks and ammunition, was in talks with partners about joint investments in the naval sector.
An NVL spokesperson declined to comment on the speculation.
Context and outlook
Rheinmetall is already one of the key beneficiaries of Europe’s large-scale defense modernization following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In addition, the company is expanding its partnership with Lockheed Martin: in April, the two companies announced plans to strengthen their cooperation. Lockheed will provide missiles and technologies, while Rheinmetall will produce and market missiles in Europe. The list may include ATACMS and Hellfire missiles, with production expected at Rheinmetall’s expanding facility in Unterlüß, northern Germany.
