Rheinmetall Naval Systems

Rheinmetall Naval Systems is the surface shipbuilding division of the Rheinmetall Group, led by NVL B.V. & Co. KG in Bremen-Vegesack. Rheinmetall completed its takeover of Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL) on 1 March 2026. The division builds naval and coastguard vessels, provides services and licensed production, and operates the Blohm+Voss and Norderwerft yards in Hamburg, Peene-Werft in Wolgast and Neue Jadewerft in Wilhelmshaven, with about 2,100 employees.

Rheinmetall describes the division as a pioneer in autonomous maritime surface systems for military and civil use and in manned/unmanned teaming, and is developing the Blohm+Voss site into a test and technology centre for unmanned and autonomous maritime systems.

Through Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH, a joint venture with Kraken Technology Group, series production of the K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel began at Blohm+Voss in April 2026. The 8.4 m boat reaches up to 55 knots and is intended for maritime surveillance, critical infrastructure protection and weapons carrier roles; initial capacity is about 200 units a year, scalable to 1,000.