Rheinmetall AG, the German defense technology giant based in Düsseldorf, has announced a strategic agreement with the Lürssen Group to acquire Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL B.V. & Co. KG), the military division of the traditional Bremen shipyard, including all of its subsidiaries.
The deal, still subject to antitrust approval, is expected to be formally completed in early 2026. The transaction value has not been disclosed.
Expansion into the naval sector
With the acquisition, Rheinmetall expands its portfolio to include naval shipbuilding, establishing itself as a leading defense technology supplier in Germany and Europe.
“We are creating a naval power in Germany. In the future, we will be a key player on land, at sea, in the air, and in space. Rheinmetall is becoming a cross-domain systems house,” stated CEO Armin Papperger.
Friedrich Lürßen, managing partner of Lürssen Maritime Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KG, emphasized that the partnership ensures continuity and stability for NVL and its employees:
“We have found in Rheinmetall a strong and reliable partner capable of ensuring a successful future for NVL and its workforce.”
Strategic importance
The acquisition comes at a time when demand for naval defense capabilities is rising due to increasing global conflicts and expanding defense budgets.
According to Papperger, the merger will allow for comprehensive solutions:
“We aim to deliver fully integrated systems from a single source: naval missiles and launchers, guns, missile defense, sensors, and combat management systems. This consolidation strengthens Germany’s and NATO allies’ defense capabilities.”
The strength of NVL
With over 150 years of history, NVL employs around 2,100 people and recorded revenue of approximately €1 billion in 2024. Its four shipyards in Germany (Wolgast, Hamburg, and Wilhelmshaven) have built more than 1,000 military vessels, delivered to over 50 navies and coast guards worldwide.
Considered a pioneer in autonomous naval systems, NVL also specializes in long-term maintenance and support for naval fleets.
The Lürssen shipyard in World War II
The Lürssen shipyard (then simply Lürssen-Werft), founded in Bremen in 1875, played a decisive role during World War II. The company gained notoriety for producing the famous Schnellboote (S-boats) — fast torpedo boats used by the Kriegsmarine.
These vessels, nicknamed E-boats by the Allies, became one of Nazi Germany’s main naval assault weapons.
They were fast, well-armed, and long-range boats used in attack missions against Allied convoys in the English Channel, the North Sea, and the Mediterranean.
The S-boats could launch torpedoes and quickly escape, taking advantage of their high maneuverability, and proved highly effective against both merchant and escort naval ships.
During the war, the Bremen shipyard ramped up military production, adapting to the demands of total war. In addition to torpedo boats, Lürssen also performed maintenance and repair work on naval vessels.
At the end of the war, with Germany’s defeat, the shipyards suffered Allied bombings and were subjected to naval production restrictions imposed by the victorious powers. Even so, the expertise acquired during this period cemented Lürssen’s reputation in the military sector, serving as a foundation for its postwar reconstruction and eventual international expansion.
Source and images: Rheinmetall | NVL. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
