Rheinmetall will takeover NVL.
Rheinmetall Will Acquire Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL): Düsseldorf, Germany – September 16, 2025 — In a landmark move set to reshape Europe’s defense industry, Rheinmetall AG has reached a strategic agreement with the Lürssen Group to acquire Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL), a leading military shipbuilder based in Bremen. The acquisition marks Rheinmetall’s official entry into naval shipbuilding, significantly broadening its defense portfolio and positioning the company as a cross-domain defense provider.
The deal, which includes all of NVL’s subsidiaries and international operations, is expected to close in early 2026, pending approval from antitrust authorities. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
“With this acquisition, we are creating a naval powerhouse in Germany,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “In future, we will be a relevant player on land, on water, in the air and in space. Rheinmetall is thus developing into a cross-domain system house.”
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Strategic Expansion into Naval Domain
Rheinmetall, headquartered in Düsseldorf, has long been a cornerstone of European defense, especially in land-based military systems. It has also maintained a presence in the naval sector, supplying simulation and protection systems to global maritime forces. This acquisition now allows the company to deliver fully integrated naval platforms.
NVL, formerly known as Lürssen Defence, operates four shipyards across northern Germany — in Hamburg, Wilhelmshaven, and Wolgast — and employs approximately 2,100 people worldwide. In 2024, the company reported revenues of around €1 billion. With a legacy of building more than 1,000 ships for over 50 navies and coast guards, NVL is recognized as a pioneer in the field of autonomous maritime systems and a trusted supplier of both new vessels and fleet maintenance services.
Friedrich Lürßen, Managing Partner of Lürssen Maritime Beteiligungen, expressed confidence in the transition: “We are delighted to have found a trustworthy and strong partner in Rheinmetall, which can secure a successful future for NVL and its employees.”
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NVL generated sale of around €1 billion in 2024 .
Boosting Germany’s Defense Capabilities
The merger arrives at a time of heightened geopolitical tension and growing defense budgets across Europe and NATO member states. Rheinmetall aims to meet this demand with state-of-the-art naval systems, combining platforms, electronics, sensors, and effectors into unified, digitally integrated solutions.
“This acquisition will not only make us a manufacturer of floating platforms,” said Papperger. “As an integrated naval powerhouse, we want to offer complete system solutions — from naval missiles and launchers to main and secondary guns, missile defense, and combat management systems.”
Rheinmetall also plans to leverage its existing international footprint and customer relationships to extend NVL’s reach in global markets. The integration is expected to create substantial synergies, particularly with Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems division, which operates in northern Germany and will benefit from shared expertise and infrastructure.
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Industrial Synergies and National Impact
By incorporating NVL’s shipyards and experienced workforce, Rheinmetall will expand its industrial base while avoiding costly new infrastructure investments. The heavy shipbuilding infrastructure will also support production flexibility in the automotive defense sector, creating valuable capacity reserves.
Papperger emphasized the broader strategic implications: “We are taking a decisive step forward in consolidating the defense industry in Germany and Europe. The combined capabilities of Rheinmetall and NVL will generate mutual growth and strengthen Germany’s naval defense capabilities — a crucial factor for our country and our NATO allies.”
The transaction underlines the growing emphasis on naval readiness in European defense strategy, with Germany now poised to play a more prominent role in maritime security.
