COLOGNE, Germany — 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.

What is not good is that the MKS-180 program is being pursued (by the German Ministry of Defence) as a Europe-wide competition, despite the proclamation that underwater and surface shipbuilding are core technologies for Germany. No other European country does this.

Is this a matter of how governments interpret European acquisition policies?

The fact is, Germany is the only country that solicits bids Europe-wide. That puts us in competition with companies that are state-owned. It is hard to compete against companies where government representatives are the best sales agents. Therefore, the European and worldwide defense business does not happen on an even playing field.

Some have argued the marriage between Fincantieri and Naval Group is an outgrowth of consolidation efforts in the European naval market. Where does TKMS fit into that picture?

What you describe as a marriage is, in my view, currently not more than speed dating — contracts have been signed, but the implementation will take a few more years. Keep in mind that we also work very closely with Fincantieri. But yes, it is more a sign that we are at the cusp of a European consolidation wave.

Rolf Wirtz is the CEO of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems

We support that path. I agree with the Naval Group CEO that we must boost the strength of our European market to be able to compete globally. In that context, volume and scale are important. But as ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, we are already at the front of the movement. As Germany’s third-largest defense contractor, we are in a good position. We acquired Atlas Elektronik last year, which made us one of only two European offerors with an in-house capability for the increasingly important electronics segment of shipbuilding.

Does European consolidation for you mean accepting cutbacks in any form?

We are interested in actively shaping the process. Once the MKS-180 acquisition process is finalized, Germany will have to re-evaluate its approach. There are a few European projects that have to be driven forward. And in that context, we might see further consolidation. We intend to become an active participant in the process.

What new technologies do you think will make an impact on naval warfare?

In submarines, especially in conventional submarines, there will be new sensor technologies. As for weapons, we are seeing the integration of anti-air missiles into the boats, or the development of the anti-torpedo torpedo. In propulsion technology, there is a lot of activity in battery power as well as air-independent propulsion systems. That opens up new missions for future submarines that we haven’t seen in the past. We remain engaged with navies of the world on these technologies, and there is high interest in our innovative solutions from many customers.

Is there a plan B in case Damen wins the MKS-180 race?

We are participating to win. We are cooperating with German Naval Yards in our bid, which gives us a good value proposition.

Besides that we are of course going for other projects as well, especially in the export arena. And even in the German market, there are other opportunities, for example in mine-hunting ships, tankers and others.

I’m not too concerned, and I don’t need a plan B. But it would be annoying, and let’s be clear: MKS-180 is a very important project for our company and our employees, who are keen to develop the next generation of German navy shipbuilding technology.

Sebastian Sprenger is associate editor for Europe at Defense News, reporting on the state of the defense market in the region, and on U.S.-Europe cooperation and multi-national investments in defense and global security. Previously he served as managing editor for Defense News. He is based in Cologne, Germany.

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