In the acquisition of Naval Vessels Lürssen BV & Co. Kg will proceed with Rheinmetall, based in Bremen, the military section of a large German, family shipyard, from the Lürssen Group.
The transaction will be completed in early 2026 and companies agreed not to disclose the market price, according to a Rheinmetall announcement published on Sunday (14.9.25), according to Bloomberg.
Rheinmetall is already producing simulation tools and protection systems for naval businesses and plans to expand into the sector with the acquisition. At the DSEI Defense Fair in London last week, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperg told Bloomberg that it is aiming for sales at least 5 billion euros in the sector. He also confirmed previous reports that the German defense giant had intended to acquire the shipyard.
NVL operates four shipyards in northern Germany, as well as international locations, and employs about 2,100 people worldwide. The shipbuilding company made sales of about 1 billion euros in the financial year 2024. KG, works with Dutch Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding BV for the supply of six F126 F126 frigates for the German Navy, which is facing production delays.
The weapon manufacturer said it awaits synergies with Northern Germany facilities in Kiel and Flensburg, where Rheinmetall produces components, quality control and maintenance for the Vehicle Systems section. The company says it could use infrastructure, equipment and shipbuilding know -how to help this department, which can help “minimize excessive investment in infrastructure or extensive conversions of other production lines”.
Rheinmetall transforms political facilities in Neuss and Berlin to build weapons and plans to sell its political activities in early 2026. Papperger also considering using the Volkswagen AG plant in Osnabrück to produce vehicles.