Source: Defense News
By: Sebastian Sprenger
The elimination of Kiel-based ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems from the German MKS-180 combat ship competition sent shock waves through the industry in the spring, leaving Dutch shipbuilder Damen with a real chance to win the business. TKMS has since partnered with German Naval Yards to remain in the race, prompting calls by some coastal politicians and trade unions that domestic shipyards should get preferential treatment in big Bundeswehr programs.
Defense News’ European editor, Sebastian Sprenger, spoke with TKMS CEO Rolf Wirtz about what’s next for the company and European shipbuilding as a whole.
What is the state of the German naval shipbuilding industry?
On the one hand, from a market perspective, it is doing quite well. That is due to a great need to catch up after 20 years of lagging defense investments during the time of the so-called peace dividend. On the other hand, we are seeing worldwide political tensions. With the advent of the MKS-180 comes greater demand for combat power, not only in the littorals but also in more contested waters. For us, all that translates into a good market situation.
Read more at: https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2018/10/22/thyssenkrupp-marine-systems-boss-talks-speed-dating-among-european-shipbuilders/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=Socialflow+DFN&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR02xUYm0Wqz_0MWGYWZKPMuwR994dSmAZhXzoBvwvPsFPSCtUXvih7VRX4