F127 thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and NVL compete together

... Now it's Berlin's turn

Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and Friedrich Lürßen, shareholder of the NVL Group, used SMM 2024, the leading trade fair for the maritime industry, to sign a cooperation agreement on 3 September. In a special purpose company, they intend to jointly realise the construction of a MEKO A-400 AMD (Air & Missile Defence). Expertise and innovative strength are to be pooled in the joint venture. According to the press release, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, as the main shareholder in the joint venture, will play a leading role in the development and production of the MEKO-A 400 with its design. In addition to its shipbuilding experience, NVL will contribute its extensive production capacities. A precise definition of the service packages is still to be finalised. The joint venture will be based in Hamburg. The Federal Cartel Office approved the planned cooperation on 2 September.

Photo: hsc

According to the ideas of the two shipbuilders, construction of the frigate could begin as early as 2025. The Kiel partner intends to base its site in Wismar, while NVL can utilise the Hamburg and Wismar sites.

The two German shipbuilders have thus made an advance investment in the project for the successor to the Sachsen class. thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has invested in research and development for a possible design of the future air defence frigate, which includes the US AEGIS weapon deployment system. Oliver Burkhard did not want to quantify the exact amount of funds invested, even when asked. Six F127s are envisaged in the Navy's target plans.

Now the ball is in Berlin's court. Starting with the provision of the necessary budget funds. It should be noted that no funds have been earmarked for F127 in the 2025 budget.

Joint project is not yet a shipyard consolidation

Contrary to what is widely rumoured, today's act should not be seen in the context of the consolidation of German naval shipbuilding. Joint projects between shipyards have also worked together on naval shipbuilding projects in the past. This is what the term ARGE (consortium) stood for. The F125 class frigates were the responsibility of ARGE F125, which, as in this case, consisted of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and NVL.