• Joint efforts to deliver advanced frigates for the Royal Norwegian Navy, combining cutting-edge technology from thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and local shipbuilding excellence from Ulstein Verft.

At the Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) exhibition in Oslo, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and the Norwegian shipyard Ulstein Verft have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI), marking a significant step towards enhanced industrial cooperation between Germany and Norway. The agreement outlines that, in the event of a contract award for the next Norwegian frigate program, substantial value creation will take place in Norway.

The signing, held at the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems booth, underscores Team Germany’s commitment to partnering with Norwegian shipbuilders to ensure local expertise and economic benefits. Joachim Wacker, Head of Product Sales & Product Strategy at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Lars Lühr Olsen, Managing Director at Ulstein Verft, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership and the advantages for Norway’s shipbuilding sector.

"Ulstein and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems share a strong tradition of innovation and excellence in shipbuilding. By joining forces, we are combining our expertise to deliver state-of-the-art naval solutions while strengthening Norway’s industrial capabilities. We are excited about the opportunity to build a long-term partnership that benefits both companies and nations," said Lars Lühr Olsen.

"This agreement is a milestone in our commitment to the Norwegian industry. Ulstein is a world-class shipbuilder with deep roots in Norway, and together, we will create advanced and highly capable frigates that meet the needs of the Royal Norwegian Navy. We look forward to a successful cooperation that will extend far beyond this project," said Joachim Wacker.

This collaboration reaffirms thyssenkrupp Marine Systems’ dedication to fostering long-term cooperation and supporting Norway’s maritime defense capabilities.

In February 2025, the Supervisory Board of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems GmbH decided to extend the contract and appointment of Paul Glaser as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems GmbH until the end of 2030.

Dr. Jens Schulte, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems GmbH: ‘Paul Glaser has played a key role in driving forward the transformation of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in recent years. Under his joint responsibility, the company has developed very successfully and has achieved outstanding economic results. We look forward to continuing our trusting relationship.’

Paul Glaser, CFO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems: ‘I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for the trust they have placed in me and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the management board, our employees, partners and customers. Together, we will continue to pursue the spin-off of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems with determination and develop our company into a leading international supplier in the marine industry.’

After joining the thyssenkrupp Group in 2011, Paul Glaser held various positions in Germany and abroad, including in thyssenkrupp's steel division. In 2018, he moved to Marine Systems. As Head of Strategy and, from 2021, as CFO, he played a key role in the economic stabilisation and performance improvement of recent years.

• Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines (IDAS) revolutionises maritime security

• thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Diehl Defence develop unique defence systems for submarines

At the end of last year, the Procurement Office of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BAAINBw) signed the contract for the development and qualification of a guided missile system for the active self-defence of submarines.

The ‘Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines’ (IDAS) system is being developed in close cooperation between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Diehl Defence. Both companies are combining their expertise in the IDAS Consortium to develop a guided missile that can specifically engage air threats from a submerged submarine. This globally unique technology will be available to customers of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Diehl Defence and will revolutionise the protection of submarines and their crews.

‘We are delighted that this innovation project can now also be launched. At thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, we are contributing to a completely new capability in the field of submarine self-defence, while at the same time strengthening the safety of people and materials in challenging future deployment scenarios,’ says Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.

IDAS sets new standards in maritime security. By combining an advanced guided missile and a new ejection unit, submarine crews will in future be able to defend themselves against attacks and detection attempts from the air.

The IDAS project, which has now been commissioned, ‘Development and qualification of a guided missile unit consisting of a guided missile and ejection device for active self-defence of submarines against attacks from the air’ takes submarine defence to a new level.